In response to a media inquiry regarding the Philippines sending over 10 public vessels to intrude into territorial waters of China’s Huangyan Dao on September 16, and the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels taking regulatory measures in accordance with law and dispelling these Philippine ships, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), stated on Thursday that Huangyan Dao is China’s inherent territory. The unlawful intrusion of Philippine vessels into China’s territorial waters seriously violated China’s sovereignty, rights and interests, and severely undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea, said Zhang. 

The CCG took firm countermeasures to drive away the intruding ships, which were legitimate, lawful, professional and restrained, Zhang said, according to a release posted on the official WeChat account of China’s MND on Thursday. 

Huangyan Dao is beyond the limits of the Philippine territory, which has long been defined by a series of international treaties. The Philippine side has repeatedly conducted provocative actions that infringed upon China’s sovereignty, and created tensions in the South China Sea. It is a real troublemaker and saboteur to peace, Zhang said. 

We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop any provocative acts before it’s too late. The Chinese side will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Zhang said.

(Source: Global Times)