The China Coast Guard spokesperson stated that on October 12, Philippine official vessels 3002 and 3003 illegally entered the waters near Tiexian Reef of China’s Nansha Islands without Chinese government authorization. At 9:19, Philippine vessel 3003 ignored multiple stern warnings from the Chinese side and dangerously approached China Coast Guard vessel 21559, which was conducting normal rights protection and law enforcement activities, resulting in a minor collision. The responsibility lies entirely with the Philippine side. The China Coast Guard took necessary control measures against the Philippine vessels and resolutely drove them away in accordance with the law. The on-site operations were professional, standardized, reasonable and lawful.
China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Tiexian Reef, and their adjacent waters. The Philippine actions seriously violate China’s territorial sovereignty, breach the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea. We urge the Philippine side to immediately cease its infringements and provocations. The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in China’s jurisdictional waters in accordance with the law.
