China Coast Guard takes control measures against Philippine vessels

China on Sunday condemned the Philippines for violating China's territorial sovereignty by sending coast guard vessels and other ships into the waters adjacent to the Ren'ai Reef of China's Nansha Islands to deliver supplies to an illegally "stranded" warship.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including the Ren'ai Reef, and their adjacent waters," said Gan Yu, a spokesperson for China Coast Guard (CCG) on Sunday, noting that the move by the Philippine side has violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and its own commitments.

According to Gan, CCG took "control measures" against a Philippine ship carrying construction materials and carried out "temporary special arrangements" to another Philippine ship with food and other daily necessities.

At 6:39 a.m. on Sunday, Unaiza May 1, a Philippine vessel, disregarded repeated warnings by the Chinese side in violation of the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and swerved toward CCG vessel 21556 in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, leading to a collision. 

"The on-site operations of the Chinese side are reasonable, lawful and professional," Gan said in a statement, adding that the scratching between the Philippine vessel and the CCG's law enforcement vessel was caused by the Philippine side and the responsibility lies entirely on the Philippine side.

The spokesperson also vowed that the CCG will continue to carry out law enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction in accordance with the law and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.