The China Coast Guard (CCG) said it expelled a Philippine vessel that illegally intruded into waters adjacent to Huangyan Island in the South China Sea on Thursday, noting that China's responses were professional and reiterating its firm resolve to safeguard China's national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

In a statement issued on Thursday, a spokesperson for the CCG said the vessel 3005 of the Philippines' Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Bureau made the intrusion in defiance of repeated warning calls from the CCG.

The CCG has handled the situation in a professional manner and in accordance with laws, the spokesperson said.