The Philippines said Tuesday that China's coastguard was not helping to build trust in the South China Sea after accusing them of ramming their vessels and damaging them in the latest of a series of incidents.

The Philippines calls on China to stop aggressive actions and to adhere to international laws, according to Alexander Lopez, the spokesperson of the maritime council in the Philippines, an interministerial group that formulates policies for the South China Sea.

The latest incident occurred near the Sabina Shoal as the Philippines carried out a resupply to two islands that it occupies within the Spratly Chain, which is also claimed by China, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

China has disputed Manila's claim and stated that the Philippine Coast Guard acted in a "unprofessional and hazardous" manner.

At a briefing held at the Presidential Palace, Lopez said that the council had expressed "serious concerns" over China's deliberate harassment of the Philippines and its sovereignty in the South China Sea.

The United States, a treaty ally of China, has condemned its actions as "dangerous", "reckless", and Japan's embassy in Manila expressed grave concern by reiterating the call for peaceful resolution of disputes.

China has claimed sovereignty over the South China Sea. It has deployed an armada to defend what it believes is its territory hundreds of kilometers off its mainland. Beijing's claim is not based on international law, according to an arbitral tribunal.

China has become enraged by the Philippines' increased activity of its coast guard in areas disputed within its exclusive economic zones, including resupply operations. China views these actions as deliberate provocation.

(source: Reuters)