The China Coast Guard (CCG) has accused Philippine ships of conducting unauthorized activities near disputed reefs in the South China Sea, escalating regional tensions. CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun stated that two Philippine vessels entered waters off Zhubi Jiao and Tiexian Jiao on Wednesday without Chinese government approval, with personnel illegally landing on Tiexian Jiao.
Chinese enforcement teams responded with 'professional and lawful measures,' according to Liu, who emphasized China's 'indisputable sovereignty' over the Nansha Qundao (Spratly Islands) and adjacent waters. A collision occurred when one Philippine ship allegedly ignored warnings and approached a CCG vessel, which Beijing claims makes Manila 'fully responsible' for the incident.
The CCG described the Philippines' actions as violating both China's territorial sovereignty and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. 'These provocations undermine regional peace,' Liu said, urging immediate cessation of such activities while affirming China's commitment to 'legally safeguard' its maritime rights.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of navigation rights in the strategic waterway, through which an estimated $3 trillion in annual trade passes. Analysts suggest the incident could impact ongoing ASEAN-China negotiations for a formal Code of Conduct in the contested region.
