Photo: Courtesy of China Coast Guard

 

Photo: Courtesy of China Coast Guard

 
 
The China Coast Guard (CCG) announced on Thursday night that it had expelled a Philippine vessel that had illegally intruded into the waters adjacent to Huangyan Dao, also known as Huangyan Island, in the South China Sea, despite repeated warnings from the CCG. 

CCG spokesperson Gan Yu said in a statement that the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel 3005 illegally intruded into the adjacent waters of China's Huangyan Dao on Thursday. Despite repeated warnings from the CCG, the Philippine vessel persisted in its activity. 

Therefore, in accordance with the law, the CCG implemented measures to control the vessel's navigation and compel it to leave the area. The situation was handled in a professional and standardized manner on-site, according to the spokesperson. 

China indisputably holds sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters. The CCG consistently conducts law enforcement activities to safeguard rights and enforce the law in China's jurisdictional waters, resolutely defending national sovereignty and maritime interests. 

This is not the first time that China has expelled Philippine vessels that illegally intruded into waters adjacent to Huangyan Dao during the Chinese New Year. 

The CCG just announced on Sunday that it had expelled a Philippine Coast Guard vessel that illegally intruded into waters adjacent to Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea multiple times from February 2 to 9, noting that China's responses were professional and reiterating its firm resolve to safeguard China's national sovereignty.

Experts warned that the Philippines' deliberate provocations during the Spring Festival are intentional, and the move will further erode mutual trust, disrupt the political atmosphere, and even affect the perception of Chinese people toward the Philippines.

Global Times