The Philippines on Tuesday said China’s coast guard was not helping efforts to build confidence in the South China Sea, after accusing it of ramming and damaging its vessels in their latest altercation. China should stop aggressive actions and adhere to international law, said Alexander Lopez, a spokesman for the country’s National Maritime Council, an inter-ministerial body that formulates policy on the South China Sea. The latest incident took place near Sabina Shoal, as the Philippines conducted a resupply mission to two islands it occupies in the Spratly chain of islands, parts of which are also contested by China, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Atienza, K. A. T. (2024, August 21). Manila says China Coast Guard’s actions at shoal not helping confidence building. BusinessWorld, p. S1/10.