The Philippines on Tuesday said China’s coast guard was not helping efforts to build confidence in the South China Sea, after accusing it of ramming and damaging its vessels in the latest in a succession of altercations.The Philippines urges China to refrain from aggressive actions and adhere to international law, said Alexander Lopez, a spokesperson for the country’s maritime council, an inter-ministerial body that formulates policy on the South China Sea.The latest incident took place near the Sabina Shoal, as the Philippines conducted a resupply mission to two islands it occupies in the Spratly chain, parts of which are also contested by China, Vietnam and Malaysia.China has challenged Manila’s account and said the Philippine coast guard acted in an “unprofessional and dangerous” manner.Lopez at a briefing at the presidential palace said the council expressed “serious concern over the deliberate harassment and infringement by China” on the Philippines sovereignty and sovereign rights in the South China Sea.
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