China's Ministry of Defense has called on the Philippines to immediately cease "provocative actions" in the South China Sea following multiple intrusions by Philippine vessels near Huangyan Dao earlier this month. Over 10 Philippine public ships entered the area, which China asserts as its inherent territory, before being expelled by the China Coast Guard.
Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang emphasized that Huangyan Dao lies beyond Philippine territorial limits as defined by international treaties. "The Philippine side has repeatedly infringed upon China's sovereignty," Zhang stated, labeling the actions as "troublemaking" that destabilizes regional peace.
China warned that it will continue taking resolute measures to protect its maritime rights, urging Manila to avoid further escalation. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in one of Asia's most strategically vital waterways, where overlapping claims have long complicated diplomatic relations.
