China vows to foil any infringements after Philippine South China Sea intrusion

The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday vowed to resolutely foil all acts of infringement and provocation, and safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests following the latest Philippine intrusion in the South China Sea.

Philippine coast guard ship 4410 caused a scrape with a Chinese vessel early on Monday morning in waters near Xianbin Jiao. Later, it intruded into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao. "The act was truly egregious," CCG spokesperson Gan Yu said in a statement on Monday. 

Another Philippine coast guard ship 4411 also intruded in the waters near Xianbin Jiao in defiance of Chinese dissuasion and warning, Gan said, adding that the CCG monitored and effectively managed the Philippine vessels in accordance with law and regulations, and its operation was professional, justified and lawful.

"The acts of the Philippine side gravely infringe China's territorial sovereignty, seriously violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and seriously undermine regional peace and stability," Gan said. "China's coast guard will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction in accordance with law."

Commenting on the development on Monday, China's Foreign Ministry said the Philippines is solely responsible for the vessels' collision and China will continue to take firm and forceful measures in accordance with the law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and uphold the DOC.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also urged the Philippines to earnestly abide by the temporary arrangement reached with China, refrain from taking actions that complicate the situation, and work with China to properly manage the maritime situation.

"China is always committed to properly handling maritime disputes between China and the Philippines through dialogue and consultation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday.

(With input from Xinhua)