BEIJING (Xinhua): Multiple batches of Philippine vessels, despite repeated warnings by the China Coast Guard (CCG), entered the waters near China's Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea under the pretense of fishing and conducted provocative acts on Friday, a CCG spokesperson said.
The CCG took necessary control measures in accordance with the law and relevant rules, issued warnings and drove the vessels away, according to CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun.
Noting that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao, including Xianbin Jiao, and its adjacent waters, Liu said the CCG will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement operations in waters under China's jurisdiction to firmly safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
The Chinese military on Friday also urged the Philippines to immediately stop provoking incidents in the South China Sea.
Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, said in a press release that multiple Philippine light aircraft, without approval from the Chinese government, illegally intruded into the airspace of China's Huangyan Dao.
The Chinese naval and air forces conducted tracking, monitoring, warning, and resolute expulsion in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations, Tian said.
Reiterating that Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory, he pledged that troops of the theater command remain on high alert and will firmly safeguard national sovereignty and security, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea. -- Xinhua
