On October 12, according to the official WeChat account of China Coast Guard, a spokesperson for China Coast Guard made a statement regarding the Philippines’ intrusion into Tiexian Reef.

The 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 the Chinese government’s permission. At 9:19, vessel 3003 ignored China’s repeated serious warnings and dangerously approached China Coast Guard vessel 21559, which was conducting normal rights protection and law enforcement activities, resulting in a collision. The responsibility lies entirely with the Philippine side. China Coast Guard took control measures against the Philippine vessels in accordance with the law and resolutely drove them away. 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, contravene the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea. We sternly warn the Philippine side to immediately cease its infringements and provocations. China Coast Guard will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in China’s jurisdictional waters in accordance with the law.

Tiexian Reef

I am unable to find any significant historical or cultural information about a place named “Tiexian Reef.” It does not appear to be a widely recognized geographical or cultural site in available references. It is possible that the name may be a translation or refer to a very localized area.

Nansha Islands

The Nansha Islands, also known as the Spratly Islands, are a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea composed of reefs, islets, and atolls. Historically claimed by several surrounding nations, China’s claims are based on historical records and usage dating back centuries. The islands are strategically significant due to their location near vital shipping lanes and potential natural resources.

Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea

The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) is a 2002 non-binding agreement between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It was established to promote peace and stability in the region by committing parties to resolve territorial disputes peacefully and exercise self-restraint. The DOC is considered a significant, albeit preliminary, step towards creating a formal and legally binding Code of Conduct.

South China Sea

The South China Sea is a major marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean, bordered by several Southeast Asian nations. Historically, it has been a critical maritime corridor for trade and cultural exchange for centuries. In the modern era, it is the center of complex territorial disputes over islands and waters, driven by strategic interests and rich natural resources.