More on China- South China sea
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After China blocked two Filipino supply ships from reaching troops on the Second Thomas Shoal, the Philippines air-dropped food and water to soldiers stationed on a grounded transport ship on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. Chinese ships patrolling waters around Second Thomas Shoal, known in China as the Ren'ai reef, had earlier on March 9 ordered the Philippine ships carrying construction materials to leave the area.
On March 11, Manila summoned the second highest Chinese embassy official to handover its strong-worded protest, calling the blockade "a clear and urgent threat to the rights and interests of the Philippines".
In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said China had similarly summoned Philippine diplomats in Beijing to lodge a protest. He said "The Philippines' motive in trying to illegally occupy Ren'ai reef and create incidents in the South China Sea is abundantly clear. China calls on the Philippines to stop all its provocative actions."
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