The China Coast Guard lawfully responded to multiple vessels from the Philippines that acted illegally near the Houteng Reef in the South China Sea on Thursday, said the China Coast Guard on Saturday.
Gan Yu, the CCG spokesperson, said in a statement that "the Philippine side on Thursday organized multiple vessels to illegally operate near Houteng Reef in China's Nansha Islands.
"The China Coast Guard handled the situation in accordance with the law and regulations, with professional and standard procedures on the scene," he said, stressing that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, including Houteng Reef.
Gan emphasized that the Philippine government vessels, under the guise of "protecting fisheries", illegally infringed and provoked, organized media to deliberately hype and mislead, and continuously disrupted the stability of the South China Sea.
"We warn the Philippine side that any infringement tactics are futile," he said.
He warned that the CCG will conduct law enforcement and rights protection activities in the waters under China's jurisdiction as usual, resolutely safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
Rockies lefty Freeland appears to injure right shoulder while pinch
Two Moscow concert hall attackers enter Türkiye briefly
PICTURED: Best friends who died alongside student while 'doing high
Young Boys seals 6th Swiss soccer league title in 7 years after rallying from firing coach Wicky
MPs are urged to finally pass the Rwanda bill after 535 migrants cross the Channel on Sunday
Israel accused of deadly strike on Iranian consulate in Syria
'Xi Jinping on the Belt and Road Initiative' informs and inspires readers in Chile
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
Angela Rayner fan Andy Burnham to have no role in police investigation into her housing affairs