The Philippines on Thursday accused Chinese Coast Guard vessels of firing water cannon at boats delivering supplies to Filipino marines in the disputed South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, and told Beijing to "back off." China, however, insisted that its Coast Guard was upholding its sovereignty over the maritime waters. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian claimed the Philippines boats were in the wrong as they had no permission to enter the area on Nov. 16, Tuesday.

Barcelo, V., & Requejo R. (2019, November 19). China ships block PH boats. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.