China Accuses Philippines of Illegal Intrusion and Collision in South China Sea

On Wednesday, two Philippine government vessels entered waters near China's Zhubi and Tiexian reefs in the South China Sea. A Chinese official reported that one of the vessels collided with a China Coast Guard ship.

According to China Coast Guard spokesman Liu Dejun, vessels numbered 3002 and 3003 entered waters near the Zhubi and Tiexian Reefs in the Nansha Islands without authorization from Beijing. He also stated that Philippine personnel landed on Tiexian Reef. In response, Chinese Coast Guard officers took action, including on-site verification.

The Chinese official described the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard as professional, regular, and lawful. He further stated that at 9:13 am Wednesday, Philippine vessel No. 3002 disregarded warnings and approached China Coast Guard vessel No. 21559, which was on patrol. This resulted in a collision, which Liu attributed entirely to the Philippine side.

China asserts "indisputable sovereignty" over the Nansha Islands and surrounding waters. The official accused the Philippines of infringing on China's territorial sovereignty and violating the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. He also claimed that the Philippines' actions threatened regional peace and stability.

Liu called on the Philippines to cease what he described as "infringing actions." He added that the China Coast Guard would continue its law enforcement and patrol activities in areas under Chinese jurisdiction. At a news conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that the coast guard consistently acts in accordance with laws and regulations.