Explain rocket debris incident at sea, China urged

Artificial island: Ships carrying construction materials are docked at the newly built beach ramp at the Philippine-claimed island of Thitu in the disputed South China Sea. — AP

THE country has issued a diplomatic note to China seeking explanation on a South China Sea incident over suspected rocket debris, in a move that could further strain the nations’ ties.

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs wants China to clarify what happened between the South-East Asian nation’s Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard in waters off Pag-asa Island on Nov 20, the agency’s spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a statement yesterday.