CCG warns the Philippines to stop provocations in South China Sea

The China Coast Guard requested the Philippines on Friday to cease all infringing provocations and hype related to the Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea.

Gan Yu, spokesman for the CCG, said in a statement that the Philippines recently deployed two small boats from its illegally grounded vessel near Ren'ai Reef. Despite repeated warnings from CCG ships, the Philippine boats approached the Chinese vessels, which are conducting regular law enforcement operations, in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, deliberately engaging in provocative "touch-and-go" behavior.

He stated that the CCG vessels dealt with the Philippine boats' provocations in accordance with laws and regulations, adding that all relevant operations were legitimate and lawful.

China sternly warns the Philippines to immediately stop all infringing and provocative acts, as well as hyping up the incident through groundless propaganda, according to Gan.

The spokesman added that the CCG will continue to carry out rights-protection and law enforcement activities in waters off Ren'ai Reef in accordance with the law, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.