On Tuesday, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) expelled a Philippine Coast Guard ship and an official vessel that had entered waters adjacent to Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea. The incident underscores ongoing tensions over territorial claims in the region.
Gan Yu, spokesperson for the CCG, stated that the operation was conducted professionally and in accordance with international law. “The CCG, acting in accordance with the law, took necessary measures, including the use of a water cannon, to expel the Philippine vessels,” Gan said.
China asserts indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its surrounding waters, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant maritime areas. The CCG emphasized its commitment to continuing law enforcement activities in waters under China’s jurisdiction to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
According to Gan, the actions of the Philippine vessels infringed upon China’s sovereignty and violated international law, urging the Philippines to “immediately cease such behaviors.” The use of water cannons to expel foreign vessels is one of the measures China employs to enforce its territorial claims.
Huangyan Dao, known in the Philippines as Scarborough Shoal, is a strategic and resource-rich area in the South China Sea, a region with overlapping territorial claims from multiple countries. The South China Sea is a crucial maritime route for global trade and has significant fishing grounds and potential energy resources.
The Philippine government has not yet issued an official response to the incident. Previous encounters in the region have led to diplomatic protests and heightened tensions between the two nations.
The international community continues to monitor developments in the South China Sea closely, given the potential implications for regional stability and international maritime law. Stakeholders urge all parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolutions to disputes.
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China expels Philippine vessels from waters adjacent to Huangyan Dao
cgtn.com
