President Rodrigo R. Duterte denounced last week’s aggression by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against two Philippine-flagged boats during a leaders’ summit on Monday of China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “We abhor the recent event in the Ayungin Shoal and view with grave concern other similar developments,” Mr. Duterte said. “This does not speak well of the relations between our nations and our partnership.” Mr. Duterte made the statement during the virtual ASEAN-China special summit, which was held a week after Chinese Coast Guard ships illegally blocked and discharged water cannons on boats that were carrying supplies to a military post on a Philippine-claimed reef in the South China Sea.

Atienza, K. A. T. (2021, November 23). Duterte slams China's aggression vs PHL vessels. BusinessWorld, p. S1/12.