Tensions between China and the Philippines continued for a second day near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Friday. Beijing also began military drills in the region, which are expected to last until the end of the month.
The China Coast Guard issued a statement saying it took "control measures" against several Philippine vessels that were allegedly engaged in illegal activities in waters under China's jurisdiction. The statement referred to the area as Huangyan Island, the Chinese name for the shoal.
The Philippines has not yet responded to the latest Chinese actions. The shoal, known as Scarborough Shoal, is a disputed area in the South China Sea, with both China and the Philippines claiming sovereignty. The region is rich in fishing grounds and has potential oil and gas reserves.
The ongoing clashes mark a new escalation in the long-standing dispute, which has seen occasional confrontations between the two countries' coast guards and fishing vessels. China claims most of the South China Sea, while the Philippines and other neighboring nations assert their own territorial rights based on international law.
The Chinese military drills have raised concerns about further instability in the area. The international community is closely watching the situation.