Beijing: Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) lawfully expelled Philippine official vessels that illegally intruded into the waters near Tiexian Jiao in the South China Sea on Sunday, according to a CCG spokesperson.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Philippine official vessels with the hull numbers 3002 and 3003 entered the waters near Tiexian Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao without the permission of the Chinese government, as stated by CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun. Liu reported that, at 9:19 a.m., Philippine public vessel 3003 disregarded multiple warnings from the Chinese side and dangerously approached CCG vessel 21559. This vessel was engaged in normal law enforcement activities for rights protection, resulting in a collision.

Liu emphasized that the full responsibility for the incident lies with the Philippine side. The CCG implemented control measures according to the law against the Philippine vessels and resolutely expelled them. Liu mentioned that the operations were carried out in a professional, standardized, and lawful manner.

China asserts it has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao, including Tiexian Jiao and the adjacent waters. The spokesperson stressed that the actions of the Philippine side have 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.

Liu issued a stern warning to the Philippines to immediately cease its infringements and provocative acts, declaring that the CCG will continue to conduct law enforcement activities for rights protection within China’s jurisdictional waters in accordance with the law.