China's defense ministry accused the Philippines of?distorting?the truth about a?incident that involved?the Chinese Coast Guard and Filipino fishermen near an South China Sea Shoal. It defended Chinese action as "reasonable" and "lawful".

Manila's Coast Guard?said at the weekend that three Filipino fishermen were injured, and two fishing boats?damaged? when Chinese coast -guard ships cut their anchor lines on Friday and fired water cannons near the Sabina Shoal.

China will "take?strong and effective?measures? in response to?all acts of infringement or provocation",?read a statement on the social media page of China's Defence Ministry.

The embassy of the Philippines in Beijing and the Philippines defence minister did not immediately respond to our requests for comments. Reporting by Beijing Newsroom, Karen Lema from Manila and Andrew Heavens.

(source: Reuters)