China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels expelled multiple Philippine ships from waters near Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea on Friday, December 12, 2025, following what authorities described as "provocative acts" conducted under the guise of fishing. The CCG confirmed it implemented necessary control measures after repeated warnings were ignored, escalating tensions in one of Asia's most strategically vital waterways.
"China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao, including Xianbin Jiao and its adjacent waters," stated CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun. He emphasized that the agency will continue enforcing maritime rights and laws within China's jurisdiction to protect territorial integrity, a stance closely watched by regional governments and global trade stakeholders.
The incident underscores ongoing friction in the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims have intensified diplomatic and military posturing this year. Analysts note that such encounters could impact regional stability and international shipping routes critical to global supply chains.
