Protesters warn of Chinese ‘invasion’ of Philippines

Up in arms: The protesters raising national flags, placards and shouting slogans in front of the consular office of China in Manila, as policemen stand guard. — AFP

Manila: Protesters descended on the Chinese embassy in Manila to oppose the Asian superpower’s growing sway in the Philippines and as tensions rise over Beijing’s presence in the disputed South China Sea.

Filipino flag-waving marchers chanted “China out” and brandished a banner saying “Defend our sovereign rights”, referring to Beijing’s expansive claims to the resource-rich waterway.