The China Coast Guard (CCG) has called on the Philippines to immediately stop unauthorized activities near Huangyan Dao, following what it described as an illegal intrusion by two Philippine aircraft into the area's airspace on Thursday. The incident marks the latest escalation in maritime tensions between the two nations.
CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun stated that recent Philippine actions involved frequent and unjustified approaches to Huangyan Dao's air and sea zones, which China claims as part of its sovereign territory. "These provocations undermine regional peace and violate international norms," Liu emphasized during a press briefing.
Huangyan Dao, a strategic reef in the South China Sea, has been administered by China since 1994. Liu reiterated Beijing's commitment to "resolutely safeguard territorial integrity" through enhanced law enforcement measures. Analysts suggest the dispute could impact broader ASEAN diplomatic relations and shipping security in one of the world's busiest trade corridors.
The statement comes amid growing international attention to maritime disputes in Asia, with stakeholders urging dialogue to prevent further destabilization.
