China coast guard reports third clash with Philippines this week

BEIJING – China’s Coast Guard clashed with the Philippines for a third time this week in the South China Sea, as tensions in the disputed waters escalate. China Coast Guard on July 24 took “control measures” on multiple Philippine vessels conducting “illegal activities” at the Scarborough Shoal, according to a statement from the force. It did not elaborate on the measures taken. The Philippine Coast Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the incident, which marks a second straight day of skirmishes at Scarborough Shoal. On July 23, Manila said a China Coast Guard vessel fired…