On March 7, a Philippine Coast Guard reconnaissance aircraft with journalists on board was reportedly warned away by Chinese Navy ships during its activity near Huangyan Dao. 

The PCG also stated that it would step up South China Sea patrols and public communication to increase what it calls “transparency” and counter alleged Chinese “bullying.” Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense was asked to comment on these developments.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, including Huangyan Dao, and their adjacent waters. We have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. China’s law-enforcement and rights-protection operations in waters within our jurisdiction are fully justified. In response to the recent rights-violation actions and provocations conducted by the PCG, the Chinese side took legitimate and lawful countermeasures that are professional and restrained," said Jiang Bin on March 18th.

It has become a familiar tactic for the Philippine side to take journalists aboard its so-called patrols to stage footage and play up a “victim narrative.” Its so-called transparency campaign is not about revealing the truth, but a self-directed farce, said Jiang Bin.

Jiang Bin stressed that edited footage and fabricated lies can never change China’s sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, including Huangyan Dao. They won’t sway China’s firm resolve in safeguarding our rights in accordance with the law. China will continue to take effective countermeasures in response to all rights-violation actions and provocations.

(Source: Ministry of National Defense of China)