"Philippines Challenges China's Actions in Disputed Sea, Summons Envoy"

The Philippines summoned China's envoy to protest against aggressive actions in the South China Sea, accusing China's coastguard of using water cannon against a civilian boat supplying troops at the Second Thomas Shoal. Manila's defense minister challenged Beijing to seek international arbitration to bolster its sovereignty claims, as tensions rise over territorial disputes in the region. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the shoal within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, despite a 2016 ruling against its claim. The incident comes as the Philippines seeks to deepen engagement with the United States, prompting China's defense ministry to warn against provocative actions and comments.