China Says Sea Clash with Philippines Vessels ‘Professional and Restrained’

News Snapshot:

China said on Monday that a maritime clash in which it fired water cannon at Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea was “professional and restrained". A foreign ministry spokesperson said a Chinese coast guard ship “lawfully stopped" two Philippine vessels, adding: “This professional and restrained on-site operation is beyond reproach." The incident happened on Saturday as the Philippine Coast Guard escorted charter boats carrying food, water, fuel and other supplies to Filipino military personnel stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. The intervention by China — which claims almost all of the South China Sea as...