Philippines will ‘never abandon’ South China Sea outpost as it hits back against China ‘blockade’

Eight Chinese vessels surrounded and fired water cannons at the boats chartered by the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard. - PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

MANILA (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): The Philippines said it will never abandon its military outpost in the disputed South China Sea, after eight Chinese ships shadowed and fired water cannons at four smaller Philippine boats on a resupply mission over the weekend.

“For the record: We will never abandon Ayungin Shoal. We are committed to Ayungin Shoal,” said the Philippines’ National Security Council spokesman Jonathan Malaya at a press conference on Monday.