Manila, May 23 -- The Philippines on Friday asserted its sovereignty and jurisdiction over Pag-asa Island and its surrounding cays, strongly condemning the Chinese Coast Guard's (CCG) latest "aggressive actions" against two Filipino research vessels in the area.

In a statement, the National Maritime Council (NMC) expressed "grave concern" over what it called "unlawful interference" by the CCG.

"The Philippines expresses grave concern over the recent aggressive actions and unlawful interference of the CCG against Philippine civilian public against Philippine civilian public vessels in the West Philippine Sea," the NMC said.

The council described these actions as "deliberate acts of interference and intimidation" that seriously violate t...