The Philippines has officially filed a diplomatic protest against China following confrontations between the two sides in the contested South China Sea.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed the action, stating that a note verbale had been sent, as reported by Rappler.com. The clashes occurred on July 17 at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, involving Filipino soldiers and China Coast Guard.

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During the incident, one Filipino soldier lost a thumb on his right hand due to a collision between vessels from both sides. While Beijing asserted that it had blocked the Filipino vessel for intruding into its maritime waters, Manila reiterated its claim to the area, where it has grounded a World War II-era warship.