New Delhi, July 22 -- The Philippines and China summoned each other's ambassadors on Tuesday after a confrontation at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

The latest incident has further heightened tensions between the two countries over their overlapping claims in the strategic waterway.

The Philippine military alleged that a China Coast Guard officer struck a Filipino sailor with a baton during Monday's confrontation. Manila summoned China's ambassador, and President Ferdinand Marcos met the envoy following the incident.

China, in turn, said it had urgently summoned the Philippine ambassador, accusing Manila of "deliberate provocation" at the disputed reef.

Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South ...