China drives away Philippine vessels intruding into Huangyan Dao waters

The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Thursday drove away two Philippine government vessels that had intruded into China's territorial waters off Huangyan Dao, a CCG spokesperson said.

Jiang Lue, spokesperson for the CCG, said the vessels ignored repeated dissuasion and warnings. The CCG responded with lawful measures, including tracking, interception and expulsion, in a professional, standard-compliant, legitimate and lawful manner.

Also on Wednesday, several vessels of the Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources attempted to intrude into the waters off Huangyan Dao, according to Xinhua reporters aboard CCG vessels patrolling the area. The CCG issued verbal warnings and drove them away in accordance with laws and regulations.

Huangyan Dao is an inherent territory of China, Jiang said, urging the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing and provocative acts.

The CCG will continue law enforcement operations in the waters off Huangyan Dao and resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Jiang said.