The Philippines said a Chinese coast guard ship "fired its water cannon" at a government vessel on Sunday morning. Beijing said the vessel "ignored repeated stern warnings" and approached dangerously.

Washington announced an additional 100 per cent tariff on China's US-bound exports, in retaliation for Beijing's expanded curbs on rare-earth minerals.

Four suspects have since been remanded for six days to assist investigations under Section 375B of the Penal Code for gang rape.