MANILA - The Philippines has demanded China withdraw three naval ships it said had encroached on an area claimed by Manila in the Spratly Islands. The Chinese action could harm bilateral ties, officials said yesterday.
The presence of the vessels in the area could also set back regional co-operation, Manila said in a diplomatic note sent to the Chinese embassy.
The Philippines President, Mr Fidel Ramos, ordered the filing of the protest after air force planes reported sighting the three armed ships, accompanied by fishing boats, near two of the eight islands in the Spratlys occupied by Philippines troops.