CCG expels Philippine vessels illegally intruding into China's Huangyan Island

BEIJING -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Friday took necessary measures to drive away Philippine vessels that illegally intruded into China's territorial waters of Huangyan Island, a spokesperson said, vowing to resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

In a statement, CCG spokesperson Jiang Lue said that on Friday, the Philippine side organized seven government vessels, three coast guard ships and one fish carrier, and instigated numerous fishing boats to illegally congregate in waters under the jurisdiction of China's Huangyan Island.

During the process, three Philippine government vessels ignored repeated warnings and dissuasion from the CCG and insistently intruded into China's territorial waters of Huangyan Island, Jiang said.

The CCG took necessary measures, including verbal warnings, blockade and control, and water cannon spraying, to resolutely drive away the Philippine vessels in accordance with the law, Jiang said, adding that the on-site operations were professional, standardized, legitimate and lawful.

Following its violent attack on CCG law enforcement personnel at Ren'ai Jiao on July 20, the Philippine side has sent vessels to intrude into waters under the jurisdiction of China's Huangyan Island for two consecutive days, creating disturbances at multiple locations in the South China Sea and carrying out deliberate provocations, according to Jiang.

These activities seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and severely undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea, the spokesperson said.

"We sternly warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringing and provocative acts. Otherwise, all consequences arising therefrom shall be borne by the Philippine side," Jiang said, adding that the CCG will continue to carry out rights-protection and law-enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction in accordance with the law.