The China Coast Guard lawfully responded to multiple vessels from the Philippines that acted illegally near the Houteng Reef in the South China Sea on Thursday, said the China Coast Guard on Saturday.
Gan Yu, the CCG spokesperson, said in a statement that "the Philippine side on Thursday organized multiple vessels to illegally operate near Houteng Reef in China's Nansha Islands.
"The China Coast Guard handled the situation in accordance with the law and regulations, with professional and standard procedures on the scene," he said, stressing that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, including Houteng Reef.
Gan emphasized that the Philippine government vessels, under the guise of "protecting fisheries", illegally infringed and provoked, organized media to deliberately hype and mislead, and continuously disrupted the stability of the South China Sea.
"We warn the Philippine side that any infringement tactics are futile," he said.
He warned that the CCG will conduct law enforcement and rights protection activities in the waters under China's jurisdiction as usual, resolutely safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
China ready to strengthen high
Bam Margera gets into a street brawl in Los Angeles and claims self
Vietnam should ask Cambodia to delay canal project: experts — Radio Free Asia
Goodbye to Scotland's answer to Liz Truss: How Sturgeon's short
TikTok may be banned in the US. Here's what happened when India did it
Tunisia recovers the bodies of 19 migrants who attempted to cross the Mediterranean to Europe
Thailand warns Myanmar’s rivals against using its soil for harm: ministers — Radio Free Asia
UN human rights chief condemns killings of women and children in Rafah
Alicia Silverstone shares snaps and videos from her rain
Who is Humza Yousaf's wife Nadia El
Bam Margera gets into a street brawl in Los Angeles and claims self