The Philippine coast guard accused its Chinese counterpart of harassing ships in the South China Sea Photo: AP PHOTO

China's coast guard has fired water cannon at Philippine ships near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, accusing Manila of an "illegal" intrusion and the ramming of one of its vessels.

Subscribe now for unlimited access .

Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other regional websites in your area Continue

The confrontation comes a week after China approved plans to turn the shoal into a national nature reserve, a move that defence analysts have warned would test Manila's response over the 150 sq km triangular chain of reefs and rocks.

The Philippine coast guard in tur

See Full Page