Measures taken against Philippine vessels

Territorial dispute: In this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese coast guard ship (top) tries to block a Philippine government vessel at the disputed South China Sea. — AP

The country’s coast guard said it had taken control measures against Philippine vessels in disputed waters of the South China Sea, while the Philippine coast guard decried the moves as “irresponsible and provocative”.

The incident occurred in the Second Thomas Shoal and Spratly Islands waters yesterday, according to the Chinese Coast Guard.