China’s Coast Guard has called on the Philippines to cease illegal gatherings of vessels near Houteng Jiao in the Nansha Islands. On Monday, a spokesperson for the China Coast Guard (CCG) stated that necessary measures were taken against Philippine vessels that were illegally assembling in the area.
Footage released on Wednesday by Yuyuantantian, an affiliate of China Media Group, revealed that the Philippine fishing boats and accompanying reporters were staging photographs rather than engaging in actual fishing activities. Experts have noted that these fishing boats are not equipped for deep-sea operations, raising questions about their true intentions near Houteng Jiao.
Additionally, a Philippine coast guard vessel carrying reporters was present at the scene, suggesting that the activities were orchestrated for publicity purposes. The CCG spokesperson urged the Philippines to stop its provocations and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The Nansha Islands, located in the South China Sea, are strategically significant with overlapping territorial claims. Incidents like these highlight the need for dialogue and cooperation to ensure regional harmony.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com