China Coast Guard confronts Philippine vessels near Huangyan Island

The China Coast Guard said Tuesday that its vessels monitored and took action against two Philippine ships that entered waters near China's Huangyan Island in the South China Sea without permission earlier in the day.

Liu Dejun, a spokesman for the China Coast Guard, said in a statement that the Philippine vessels, identified by hull numbers 3001 and 3002, entered the area without authorization from the Chinese government. He added that the Coast Guard followed the vessels and implemented "professional, reasonable, and legitimate control measures."

Liu reiterated China's position that it has "indisputable sovereignty" over Huangyan Island and the surrounding waters, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the region.

"We urge the Philippines to immediately cease its infringements," Liu said. "The China Coast Guard will continue to enforce the law and protect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in these waters."