China expels Philippine vessels for illegally intruding into waters

The China Coast Guard said on Sunday that it had taken control measures and expelled two Philippine government vessels that had illegally intruded into waters around Tiexian Reef in China's Nansha Islands earlier that day.

According to a statement by CCG spokesman Liu Dejun, at around 9:19 am on Sunday, two Philippine government vessels entered the area without authorization from the Chinese government.

Despite repeated solemn warnings from the Chinese side, the Philippine vessel No 3003 dangerously approached China Coast Guard ship No 21559, which was carrying out normal law enforcement operations, causing a "minor collision", he said, noting that the responsibility lay entirely with the Philippine side.

Liu said the CCG acted in accordance with the law by taking control measures and resolutely driving the Philippine vessels away, stressing that "the on-site operations were professional, aligned with norms and lawful".

China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Tiexian Reef, and their adjacent waters, the statement said.

The actions of the Philippine side seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty, breached the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and undermined peace and stability in the region, it said.

"We sternly urge the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringements and provocations," the spokesman said.

"The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out law enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction in accordance with the law."