(2 Apr 2014) Filipino protesters gathered outside the Chinese Consulate in Manila on Wednesday to express their indignation over China's harassment of a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea.
Chinese coast guard ships have recently attempted to block small Philippine vessels delivering fresh troops and food supplies to Filipino marines marooned on a grounded warship in the area.
Second Thomas Shoal, an eight-kilometre (five-mile) long submerged coral outcrop has been disputed by China and the Philippines for years.
It and the nearby Spratly Islands lie about 120 miles (190 kilometers) from the western Philippine province of Palawan, and about 700 miles (more than 1,000 kilometers) from southern China.
China's foreign ministry says Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty" over the shoal.
"It's our message to the Chinese Government that, you know, they should probably revisit the way that they are computing or measuring the extent of their territory," said Barry Gutierrez, protest leader and member of Philippines House of Representatives.
A Chinese frigate and maritime surveillance ships arrived last year to press China's claim to the shoal, which is believed to be sitting atop undersea oil and gas reserves.
Analysts say China's strategy is to slowly take possession of islands and outcrops in the South China Sea, using intimidation where necessary but avoiding any major confrontation. Its military might and economic dominance in the region mean it can push its weight around with little fear.
Three weeks ago, the Chinese blocked a resupply ship successfully for the first time at a time when the marines aboard the grounded navy ship Sierra Madre were running low on food and water.

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