MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines' coast guard (PCG) on Sunday accused China of "dangerous and blocking" maneuvers while its vessel patrolled near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea this month.
Four Chinese maritime militia vessels were also present near the shoal, the PCG said.
Located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Scarborough shoal is also claimed by China, making it one of Asia's most contested maritime features and a flashpoint for flare-ups.
The PCG said its vessel was in the area to protect Filipino fishermen "from further harassment" in their traditional fishing ground.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce.
Persons:
Teresa Magbanua, BRP Teresa Magbanua, Hague, China's, Mikhail Flores, Sonali Paul
Organizations:
Sunday, BRP, CCG
Locations:
MANILA, Philippines, China, Scarborough Shoal, South China, Manila's, Manila, Scarborough, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Beijing