The China Coast Guard (CCG) said that the Philippines organized multiple vessels to conduct illegal activities in the waters adjacent to China's Houteng Jiao on Thursday. CCG spokesperson Gan Yu said it handled matters in a reasonable, legal and professional manner.

China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Houteng Jiao, and their adjacent waters, he said.

The Philippines' official vessels infringed on China's rights, made provocations in the disguise of fishery protection, and organized media to hype up misinformation, which undermined stability in the South China Sea, he noted.

Any tactic infringing on China's rights is futile, he warned.

The CCG will carry out regular rights protection and law enforcement operations in waters under China's jurisdiction, and resolutely safeguard the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, he said.

(Source: CGTN)