BEIJING, May 8 -- On May 5, the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command organized its naval and air forces to expel the Philippine Corvette 35 attempting to intrude into the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Dao, said Air Force Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, in a written statement released on Thursday.
The spokesperson noted that troops of the PLA Southern Theater Command tracked, monitored and warned off the Philippine corvette in accordance with laws and regulations, preventing it from entering China's territorial waters. The on-site operations were professional, standardized, justified and legitimate. Relevant remarks made by the Philippine side ignored the facts, confused the public, attempting to mislead the perception of the international community.
"Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory. We solemnly warn the Philippines to immediately cease its infringements, provocations, and distortion of the truth. The troops of the PLA Southern Theater Command will always remain on high alert to defend China's national sovereignty, security and maritime rights and interests, and resolutely safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea," stressed the spokesperson.