On Friday, December 12, 2025, multiple batches of Philippine vessels, accused of provocative fishing under warning by the China Coast Guard (CCG), ventured into waters near Xianbin Jiao, part of the Nansha Qundao in the South China Sea. A CCG spokesperson, Liu Dejun, said the vessels ignored repeated warnings before being driven away.
“China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao, including Xianbin Jiao and its adjacent waters,” Liu said, noting that the CCG carried out lawful measures to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
This incident is the latest in a series of maritime encounters in the South China Sea, where overlapping claims by multiple coastal states and regions have long fueled regional tensions. The CCG said it will continue rights protection and law enforcement operations in waters under the Chinese mainland's jurisdiction to firmly safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Reference(s):
China expels Philippine vessels from waters near Xianbin Jiao
cgtn.com
