China urges Philippine side to stop provocation near Huangyan Dao

China urges the Philippine side to stop inciting fishers to carry out provocative acts near Huangyan Dao, said China's Ministry of Defense spokesperson Jiang Bin on Tuesday, affirming that Huangyan Dao as part of China's territory.

Asked about the "Hero-Fisherfolk" initiative advanced by the Philippine Coast Guard, which involves using vessels and aircraft to accompany Philippine fishing boats near Huangyan Dao, Jiang said that it is a scheme that the Philippine side "deceives and incites innocent fishermen to commit provocative acts, using them as a means to infringe upon China's legitimate rights, and even deliberately creates friction to scapegoat and tarnish China's reputation."

Such treacherous behavior has fully betrayed their disregard for the livelihoods, well-being, and even the safety of fishermen, said Jiang, who urged the Philippine side to stop its unscrupulous political manipulation and self-directed farce at sea.

China will continue to exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters in accordance with the law, and resolutely defend our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Jiang reaffirmed.