China Coast Guard takes control measures over four Philippine vessels

China Coast Guard took control measures on Sunday over four Philippine vessels intruding into waters near Ren'ai Reef.

Two Philippine coast guard vessels, one public service vessel, and one supply ship illegally entered the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Reef in the Nansha Islands without the approval of the Chinese government, said a statement issued by the coast guard on Sunday morning.

The coast guard lawfully implemented control measures against the Philippine vessels, it said.

According to the statement, at 6:39 am, despite multiple stern warnings from the Chinese side, the Philippine vessel Unaiza May 1 ignored the international maritime collision regulations, abruptly turned in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, and deliberately collided with Chinas Coast Guard vessel 21556. The Philippines is entirely responsible for the minor collision, it said.

The Philippines' behavior seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty, and the China Coast Guard took control measures in accordance with the law and regulations, according to the statement.