Philippines Summones Chinese Envoy Over Disputed South China Sea Incident

The Philippines has lodged strong protests against China following two incidents in which Chinese coast guard ships used water cannons to damage a Philippine navy-operated supply boat near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Manila summoned a senior Chinese diplomat to express its displeasure over what it called Beijing's "aggressive actions" and interference with its routine activities in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Philippines' defense minister had previously challenged China to stake its sovereignty claims at an international arbitration court. Both countries have a long-standing history of maritime territorial disputes in the South China Sea.