BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) lawfully expelled Philippine official vessels that illegally intruded into the waters near Tiexian Jiao in the South China Sea on Sunday, according to a CCG spokesperson.
Philippine official vessels with the hull number of 3002 and 3003 illegally entered the waters near Tiexian Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao without the permission of the Chinese government, said CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun.
Liu added that, at 9:19 a.m., Philippine public vessel 3003 ignored multiple warnings from the Chinese side and dangerously approached CCG vessel 21559, which was conducting normal law enforcement activities for rights protection, resulting in a collision.
"The full responsibility lies with the Philippine side," Liu stressed.
The CCG took control measures according to law against the Philippine vessels and resolutely expelled them. The operations were professional, standardized, reasonable and lawful, Liu said.
China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao, including Tiexian Jiao and the adjacent waters. The Philippine side's actions have seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty, breached the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea, the spokesperson stressed.
"We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately cease its infringements and provocative acts. The CCG will conduct law enforcement activities for rights protection in China's jurisdiction waters in accordance with the law," Liu said.