China Vows to Defend Sovereignty After Confrontations Near Huangyan Island

Following intrusions by the Philippines and the United States into the territorial waters and airspace of China's Huangyan Island, Chinese authorities and experts have stated that China will not yield. Instead, China will more firmly protect its national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) reported that its Navy forces expelled a U.S. destroyer that illegally entered China's territorial waters near Huangyan Island. A spokesperson for the PLA's Southern Theater Command, Senior Captain He Tiecheng, stated that the USS Higgins entered without Chinese government approval. The Navy forces tracked, monitored, warned, and expelled the U.S. warship.

He emphasized that the U.S. military's actions violated China's sovereignty and security, undermined peace in the South China Sea, and contravened international law. The Southern Theater Command's naval forces remain on high alert.

On Monday, the China Coast Guard (CCG) expelled multiple Philippine Coast Guard vessels and other ships from the territorial waters around Huangyan Island. Simultaneously, Philippine military aircraft intruded into the airspace over the island. The CCG took legal measures, including monitoring and blocking, to expel the Philippine vessels.

A CCG spokesman, Gan Yu, stated that China's operations were professional and legitimate. He added that the Philippine vessels ignored warnings and insisted on intrusion under the guise of supplying fishing boats. Gan reiterated that Huangyan Island is China's territory and that the CCG will continue law enforcement to protect national sovereignty and maritime interests.

Zhang Junshe, a former researcher, described the Philippines' actions as a premeditated provocation, aiming to establish a long-term presence and assert its claims. He predicted strong countermeasures from China.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian condemned the Philippines' actions, stating they infringed on China's sovereignty and harmed maritime peace. He urged the Philippines to cease its infringements. Zhang noted that Lin's response signaled China's resolve to take decisive measures to protect its interests.

Liu Lin, a professor, highlighted the Philippines' use of propaganda, including video materials, to portray itself as a victim and gain international sympathy.