The China Coast Guard (CCG) recently stopped a group of Philippine fishermen from trespassing on Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, a source confirmed with CGTN on Friday.
Footage and two photos given by the source over the weekend show the group of fishermen standing on the reefs of the island and illegally collecting seashells, a move not only violating China's sovereign rights but damaging the ecological environment.
According to the source, the incident occurred on January 12, and after the CCG noticed such illegal activities, they sent a law enforcement boat to give verbal warnings and dispel the Philippine personnel.
The CCG's on-site operations were professional, reasonable and legitimate, said the source.
A group of Philippine fishermen on the Huangyan Island. /The China Coast Guard
China asserts indisputable sovereignty over the island and its adjacent waters, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters.
There is fishery cooperation between China and the Philippines. When then Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte visited China in 2016, China agreed to make proper arrangements for fishing industry cooperation given its friendly relations with the Philippines.
However, the Chinese side opposes the Philippine side making provocations under the guise of fishery activities and taking advantage of China's goodwill to violate China's sovereignty and jurisdiction, the source said.
China will firmly defend its sovereignty over the Huangyan Island and maritime rights, added the source.
(Cover image: The China Coast Guard stops Philippine fishermen from trespassing on Huangyan Island. /The China Coast Guard)