The China Coast Guard (CCG) announced on Sunday its commitment to continuously strengthen patrols and law enforcement in the territorial waters surrounding Huangyan Dao. This move comes as a response to what the CCG describes as repeated intrusions by the Philippines into the sea and airspace near Huangyan Dao.
In an official statement shared on its social media channels, the CCG emphasized that Huangyan Dao is an inherent part of China's territory. The statement highlighted that China has consistently exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Dao in a continuous, peaceful, and effective manner.
According to the CCG, the Philippines has persistently deployed military and coast guard vessels, aircraft, and public service ships into the contested waters and airspace. These actions, the CCG claims, have caused disturbances and provocations that severely violate China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
The CCG further accused the Philippine side of inciting fishing vessels to illegally operate in the lagoon of Huangyan Dao, exacerbating tensions in the region.
In response, the CCG reiterated its resolve to maintain order in these waters, protect the ecological environment and biological resources, and safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests through enhanced patrols and law enforcement.
Reference(s):
CCG vows to strengthen patrols in territorial waters off Huangyan Dao
cgtn.com
