The Philippines expressed its disapproval of the "illicit" actions taken by Chinese ships on Friday, alleging that China's coast guard interfered while they were carrying out a task to resupply a grounded warship in the disputed South China Sea.
Various Philippine government agencies, including the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, condemned and criticized the ongoing "illegal, aggressive, and destabilizing conduct" exhibited by the Chinese coast guard and "militia" ships in these waters.
China's coast guard reportedly previously issued warnings to Philippine vessels near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea while they were on a routine follow-on rotation and resupply mission. Tensions escalated when China used water cannons against a Philippine vessel after which Beijing requested that Manila remove their ship but this request was refused.
