Amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines called upon a Chinese Embassy official to object to the "harassment of Philippine vessels."

The Philippines summoned a senior Chinese diplomat on Thursday to address Beijing's use of water cannons against Filipino vessels at a contested shoal in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines stated, "The Philippines protested the harassment, ramming, swarming, shadowing and blocking, dangerous maneuvers, use of water cannons, and other aggressive actions of China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels against" Filipino government vessels.

The Foreign Ministry disclosed that the deputy chief of the Chinese Embassy, Zhou Zhiyong, was summoned to hear Manila's 20th protest against Beijing this year, one of 153 under the current administration.

On Tuesday, the Philippines reported that the Chinese coast guard used water cannons and damaged two vessels en route to the Scarborough Shoal to aid Filipino fishermen. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian informed the media that the Chinese Coast Guard took "necessary measures" against Philippine vessels that encroached on Beijing's territory. According to transcripts released by the Chinese mission in Manila, Lin stated that these measures were "in accordance with the law, and the way it handled the situation was professional."

The China-controlled Scarborough Shoal has long been a potential flashpoint in the South China Sea. Friction has escalated recently as the Philippines adopts a more assertive stance in disputed areas while strengthening alliances with the United States and Japan.

China asserts sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.