The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday expelled multiple Philippine coast guard vessels and public service vessels from the territorial waters around China's Huangyan Dao in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson said in a post on X that Philippine vessels and fishermen encountered “hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions” from Chinese vessels in the vicinity of Huangyan Dao. A Bloomberg reporter raised the issue during a press conference on August 11.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed that Huangyan Dao has “always been China’s territory.” Lin said that the Philippines sent multiple Coast Guard vessels, official vessels and so-called fishing vessels to intrude into the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao, and in the meanwhile, Philippine military aircraft also intruded into the air space of Huangyan Dao. The Philippines’ moves seriously infringed upon China’s sovereignty and rights and interests, and seriously harmed peace and stability at sea. These moves are of a malign nature.

“It is legitimate and lawful for China to do what is necessary to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with the law," Lin said.

He added that facts have proven once again that the Philippines’ intentional infringement and provocative activities at sea are the root cause for the tensions. China urges the Philippines to stop the infringement and provocative activities at once and refrain from challenging China’s firm resolve to safeguard our lawful rights and interests.

(Source:  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China)