Chinese coast guard seizes rocket debris from Filipino navy

By JIM GOMEZ
Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A Philippine military commander says the Chinese coast guard has forcibly seized apparent Chinese rocket debris that was being towed by the Philippine navy, in the latest confrontation in the disputed South China Sea. Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos says the Chinese vessel twice blocked the Philippine naval boat before seizing the debris by cutting the towing line. China denied there was a forcible seizure and said the debris, which it confirmed was from a Chinese rocket launch, was handed over by Philippine forces after a “friendly consultation.” Chinese coast guard ships have blocked Philippine supply runs in the disputed waters in the past, but seizing material possessed by another nation’s navy constitutes a more brazen act.