4 hurt as China steps up 'attack'

(UPDATE) THE government said Tuesday that China Coast Guard vessels caused two collisions with Philippine vessels and water cannoned a boat, leaving four crew members injured during a resupply mission near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said China's aggressive behavior was a "clear and present challenge" to the Philippine Navy after reporting that "China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons, and executed dangerous maneuvers in another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct a routine resupply and rotation mission."