Philippines urges restraint following South China Sea clash

Manila and Washington call on Beijing to cease aggressive acts

In this image from a video provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese coast guard ship, right, uses a water cannon on a vessel of the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources as it approaches Scarborough Shoal on Dec. 9. © Philippine Coast Guard/AP

RAMON ROYANDOYAN, Nikkei staff writer

December 11, 2023 16:21 JST

Updated on December 11, 2023 16:31 JST

MANILA -- The Philippines on Monday condemned China's recent actions in the South China Sea, urging restraint to preserve regional stability following a spike in tensions over the weekend.

Speaking at a news conference, Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson of the Philippines' National Security Council, called Beijing's actions "a serious escalation" in the disputed waterway, where the sides have clashed in recent months.