Philippines warns of UN case against China over South China sea incident

By Anadolu Staff

The Philippines on Tuesday warned it may file a case against China with the UN over an alleged incident in which two of its Coast Guard ships were damaged in separate collisions with Chinese vessels a day earlier.

National Maritime Council spokesman Alexander Lopez said Manila is considering filing the case and accused Beijing of violating international law, according to the Manila Times.

"We are looking at that, especially the part of the Coast Guard, because they know more," Lopez said.

He urged China to refrain from aggressive actions and adhere to international law.

On Monday, the Philippines reported that two of its Coast Guard ships were damaged in separate collisions with Chinese vessels that were conducting "unlawful and aggressive maneuvers" near a disputed South China Sea reef.

Last week, Manila lodged a diplomatic protest with Beijing over what it called "dangerous maneuvers" over the disputed South China Sea.

Manila said Chinese military planes dropped flares in the path of Philippine Air Force aircraft flying over the Scarborough Shoal.

However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian later urged Manila to stop "infringement activities and provocations" at Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) "at once."

China claims most of the South China Sea, including the Sabina Shoal, located 140 kilometers (86 miles) west of the Philippine island of Palawan.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid