South China Sea: War fears as Philippines threatens gunfire in escalating row with Beijing.
CHINA and the Philippines have become embroiled in another war of words, as tensions between the two countries rise to boiling point.
Manila is furious at Chinese threats to shoot at any foreign vessels entering its territories in the South China Sea. Last month Beijing passed the Coast Guard Law, also known as the "open fire" law. Under its terms, China's navy and coast guard are ordered to take all necessary measures "including the use of weapons" to defend its sovereignty in the disputed waters.
