Manila says Beijing's actions in S. China Sea 'aggressive and illegal'

MANILA - The Philippine government slammed China on Aug 26 for "repeated aggressive, unprofessional and illegal" actions in the South China Sea after a string of clashes and incidents on air and at sea over the past week.

The Philippines' National Maritime Council said Chinese aircraft made unsafe manoeuvres against a civilian plane conducting patrols over the Scarborough shoal and Subi reef.

On Aug 25, Chinese vessels also "blocked, rammed and fired water cannon" at a government fisheries vessel on a resupply mission to Filipino fishermen in Sabina shoal, it said.

These actions are "alarming", the maritime council said in a statement, adding: “It calls into question China's supposed commitment to de-escalate the situation in the area and create a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation."

The Philippines said it will continue to pursue diplomacy in managing the maritime issues and urged China "to return to the path of constructive dialogue" on South China Sea matters.