The Star Malaysia

Explain rocket debris incident at sea, China urged

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THE country has issued a diplomatic note to China seeking explanatio­n on a South China Sea incident over suspected rocket debris, in a move that could further strain the nations’ ties.

The Philippine­s’ Department of Foreign Affairs wants China to clarify what happened between the South-east Asian nation’s Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard in waters off Pag-asa Island on Nov 20, the agency’s spokespers­on Teresita Daza said in a statement yesterday.

A Chinese vessel “forcefully retrieved” a suspected rocket debris being towed by the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported, citing the military.

China has denied any intercepti­on or seizure, according to CNN.

The latest incident presents another challenge to the Philippine­s’ ties with China.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has recently been fostering his nation’s longstandi­ng alliance with the United States, while seeking compromise with China in the disputed sea, including on oil exploratio­n.

 ?? ?? Artificial island: Ships carrying constructi­on materials are docked at the newly built beach ramp at the Philippine-claimed island of Thitu in the disputed South China Sea. — AP
Artificial island: Ships carrying constructi­on materials are docked at the newly built beach ramp at the Philippine-claimed island of Thitu in the disputed South China Sea. — AP

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