CCG expels Philippine vessels after intrusion into Chinese waters off Huangyan Dao

The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Thursday took actions to drive away two Philippine government vessels that intruded into China's territorial waters off Huangyan Dao, according to a spokesperson.

Jiang Lue, the spokesperson, said that on Thursday the Philippine government vessels 3012 and 3018 ignored repeated warnings and made a deliberate intrusion into waters around Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea.

The CCG took necessary measures, including tracking, monitoring and maneuvering to push the vessels away, and implemented control measures, in accordance with the law, Jiang said, adding that the operations were professional, standard-compliant, legitimate and lawful.

Jiang stressed that Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory and urged the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocative actions.

The CCG will continue to carry out law enforcement and rights protection activities in waters around Huangyan Dao in accordance with the law, and resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the spokesperson said.

Chinese law enforcement personnel on a small patrol boat took countermeasures when being attacked by Philippine personnel on two rubber boats near Ren'ai Jiao on Monday, according to the Chinese authorities.