Philippines protests "alarming" Chinese naval radar lock on its ship

"While the situation did not further escalate, the incident underscores the need for all states to act with restraint and professionalism at sea," the AFP said.

The Philippines and China have been involved in a series of maritime confrontations in recent years, with Manila accusing Beijing of "dangerous manoeuvres" inside its EEZ, including the use of water cannons to interfere with resupply missions to Philippine-held features.

China has insisted its actions were professional and meant to defend what it says is its own territory.

The Philippines won a landmark case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 that found China's sweeping claim of sovereignty in the South China Sea had no basis under international law, a decision that Beijing continuously rejects.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by David Stanway)