The Philippine government says its routine mission to deliver supplies to a military outpost in the South China Sea was disrupted by what it calls China's "illegal and aggressive" actions.
Officials said a Philippine supply ship was on a resupply mission to the outpost on the Second Thomas Shoal when it was disrupted by Chinese maritime forces.
The Philippine government released a statement saying that China's navy, coast guard and maritime militia vessels engaged in "dangerous maneuvers, including ramming and towing." It condemned their "illegal, aggressive, reckless" actions, saying they put the lives of its crew members at risk and damaged their boats.
The US ambassador to the Philippines posted a social media message condemning China's "aggressive, dangerous maneuvers." She said the maneuvers caused "bodily injury" and hindered "lawful maritime operations" within the exclusive economic zone.
The Philippine government has yet to disclose whether the latest incident resulted in any injuries. In March, Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons against Philippine ships in the South China Sea, causing injuries.
China's coast guard said the Philippine supply ship illegally intruded into waters near the shoal. It accused the ship of deliberately approaching one of its vessels, saying that resulted in a slight collision.