China says a collision almost occurred in the South China Sea between a Chinese coast guard vessel and a Philippine patrol ship carrying journalists. The incident occurred after two Filipino ships approached the Second Thomas Schul area, known in China as "Renai Jiao" It is the latest in a long line of incidents between Beijing and Manila in this strategic disputed waterway.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the two Philippine ships had stormed the area without China's permission. It said the crew of the Chinese ship had acted "in a professional manner with restraint"