Manila protests China city claiming disputed sea

MANILA — The Philippine government has protested China’s move to place virtually the entire South China Sea under the jurisdiction of a newly created city.

Department of Foreign Affairs officials summoned Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing in Manila on Wednesday and handed her a note protesting China’s recent establishment of Sansha city, which would have jurisdiction over all disputed territories in the potentially oil- and gas-rich region. The South China Sea also straddles some of the world’s most vital sea lanes.

Department spokesman Raul Hernandez said Thursday that China’s declaration violated Philippine sovereignty in South China Sea territories clearly belonging to Manila, including a large part of the long-disputed Spratly Islands, the Scarborough Shoal and the waters off the country’s western coast.

Hernandez says China’s move contradicts a 2002 nonaggression accord. — AP