Philippines Challenges China's Actions in South China Sea

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 defence minister challenged Beijing to seek international arbitration to bolster its sovereignty claims, as tensions simmer over disputed features in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The incident comes amid heightened tensions as the Philippines seeks to deepen engagement with the United States, while China has deployed hundreds of coastguard vessels throughout the South China Sea despite a 2016 ruling against its claim.