China accused Japan of making “irresponsible remarks” over collisions between Chinese and Philippine vessels near a disputed South China Sea shoal. Bejing made the comment in a diplomatic note sent to Tokyo’s envoy in Manila, the Chinese embassy announced on August 29. The scathing criticism followed Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo’s concerns about a second collision in a week between Chinese and Philippine vessels near Sabina Shoal. Endo said on August 25 that the confrontation was an “unacceptable development” in the area and that countries must uphold a rules-based international order.