Philippines protests Beijing's 'provocative acts' in South China Sea

File photo of Chinese coastguard ships in the South China Sea on July 15, 2014. - Reuters

MANILA (Reuters): The Philippines has issued a diplomatic protest over Chinese vessels challenging its ships patrolling the South China Sea with sirens, horns and radio communications, its foreign ministry said on Wednesday (Oct 20).

Tensions between Manila and Beijing have been simmering for years in the strategic waterway where both countries have territorial claims.