Protesters descended on the Chinese embassy in Manila on Tuesday to oppose Beijing’s growing sway in the Philippines as tensions rise over the disputed South China Sea. Demonstrators chanted “China out” and brandished a banner saying “Defend our sovereign rights,” referring to Beijing’s claim to the waterway, AFP reported. President Rodrigo Duterte has largely set aside the once-heated territorial standoff over the sea, but tensions have flared since hundreds of Chinese vessels appeared recently near the Manila-held Pag-asa (Thitu) island. The Philippines called the boats’ presence “illegal” and Duterte threatened China with possible military action if it touches the island. The president has repeatedly said, however, that war with China would be futile. Protesters also voiced unease over the terms of Chinese loans for infrastructure projects in the Philippines, including construction of a massive dam.