Chinese vessels use water cannon to block Philippines vessels from disputed shoal

Philippines voices its outrage and condemnation', saying actions by coastguard in South China Sea were illegal

Chinese coastguard vessels have blocked and used water cannon on two Philippine supply boats heading to a disputed shoal occupied by Filipino marines in the South China Sea, drawing an angry protest from Manila.

The Philippines' foreign secretary warned on Thursday that its vessels are covered under a mutual defence treaty with the United States.