Philippines Condemns China's Aggressive Actions in South China Sea

The Philippine government has denounced China's aggressive and illegal activities in the South China Sea, following multiple clashes involving Chinese aircraft and vessels against Philippine aircraft and fisheries vessels. The Philippines calls for a return to diplomatic dialogue, while the US-Philippines defense treaty remains a point of contention.

The Philippine government condemned China on Monday for 'repeated aggressive, unprofessional, and illegal actions' in the South China Sea. This follows a series of air and sea clashes over the past week.

The National Maritime Council highlighted unsafe Chinese maneuvers against a civilian patrol aircraft near Scarborough Shoal and Subi Reef. It also noted that Chinese vessels 'blocked, rammed, and fired water cannons' at a government fisheries vessel on a resupply mission near Sabina Shoal.

Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro called these actions 'patently illegal' and stated that such behavior should be anticipated. He emphasized the importance of diplomatic solutions while acknowledging the US-Philippines mutual defense treaty. The Chinese coast guard accused the Philippine vessel of ignoring warnings.

(With inputs from agencies.)