The conflict in the South China Sea

Chinese Coast Guard near Scarborough Reef. Aaron Favila / AP

The conflict in the South China Sea 

The Philippines fights back: "We will not back down" 

Chinese efforts to block Philippine fishermen from accessing certain parts of the South China Sea will be met with resistance, a spokesman for the Philippine Coast Guard told CNN, according to Reuters. The statement comes after a dispute over a floating barrier placed by China at the disputed Scarborough Reef. 

"We have shown the world that the Filipino people are not backing down and that we will continue to take [measures] we deem necessary to maintain our presence," said spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela.  

On Monday, the Philippines announced that it had removed the buoyancy barrier. China responded by warning the country to "cause trouble".  

Philippine Coast Guard cuts ropes securing buoyancy barrier in South China Sea. AP 

China's warning: Don't cause trouble, Philippines  

China sends a warning to the Philippines regarding the dispute over an area in the South China Sea, reports AFP. A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry in Beijing said in a statement that China has "sovereignty and maritime rights" to Scarborough Reef. 

"We advise the Philippines not to provoke or cause trouble," the statement said. 

Tensions between the two countries have worsened after China put up a floating barrier that prevents Filipino fishermen from moving in the waters around the reef. The Philippines announced on Monday that it had removed the barrier.