Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over vessels in disputed waters

FILE PHOTO: Chinese vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, are seen at Whitsun Reef, South China Sea on March 27, 2021. Philippine Coast Guard/National Task Force-West Philippine Sea/Handout via REUTERS

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines said on Tuesday it had summoned the Chinese ambassador to convey the Southeast Asian country's "utmost displeasure" over the continued presence of Chinese vessels in disputed waters around a reef in the South China Sea.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian was summoned on Monday and told that China should immediately withdraw all its vessels from the disputed Whitsun reef and other Philippine maritime zones.