Philippines seeks explanation over South China Sea incident

Ghe Philippine-claimed island of Thitu, in the disputed South China Sea (Department of National Defence PAS via AP)

Officials in Manila have sought an explanation from Beijing after a Philippines military commander reported that the Chinese coast guard forcibly seized rocket debris from Filipino navy personnel in the disputed South China Sea.

Sunday’s incident off Philippine-occupied Thitu island is the latest flare-up of territorial disputes involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.