MANILA, Philippines — China rejectd anew the Philippines’ protest against its actions in the disputed seas after Beijing admitted preventing Filipino-owned ships from delivering construction materials to a Philippine-occupied shoal.
“The Foreign Ministry has summoned the head of the Philippines Embassy in China to lodge solemn representation on this event,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said late Wednesday.
Chinese coast guard vessels on Sunday drove away two Philippine vessels carrying construction materials meant for Ayungin Shoal, which China calls Ren’ai Reef.
The Chinese official said that the country’s move to contest China’s actions is proof of its intention to illegally occupy the Chinese-claimed reef.