Protesters march against China’s ‘invasion’ of Philippines amid South China Sea tensions

Protesters in Manila descended on the Chinese embassy in Manila to oppose what they describe as Beijing’s growing influence in the country. The protest followed the sighting of hundreds of Chinese vessels sailing close to Thitu Island, an area in the South China Sea claimed by Manila. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told China to “lay off” the island, but he has also repeatedly said he would not go to war with China because such an approach would amount to “suicide”. Duterte has also…