China to PH: Stop ‘intruding’ into areas ‘within its jurisdiction’

MANILA, Philippines — The China Coast Guard (CCG) urged the Philippines to stop “intruding” into Huangyan Island (Scarborough Shoal) and insisted that the area was within China’s jurisdiction.

“We urge the Philippines to stop its infringing actions immediately. The Chinese Coast Guard will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in the waters under China’s jurisdiction under the law and firmly safeguard the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Liu Dejun, a spokesman for CCG, said on Wednesday.

In a statement shared by the Chinese embassy in Manila, Liu said, “On October 8, Philippine ships 3001 and 3002 insisted on intruding into the waters near China’s Huangyan Island without the Chinese government’s permission.”

“The Chinese Coast Guard ships tracked and monitored the entire process and took control measures under the law,” Liu added.

“The on-site operations were professional, standardized, legitimate, and legal. China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant waters,” the CCG spokesman argued.

Earlier in the day, CCG vessels again disrupted the resupply mission to Filipino ships in Scarborough Shoal. However, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) confirmed that China’s attempt failed to reach the boats.

According to BFAR, BRP Datu Cabaylo (MMOV 3301) and BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 2002) were on a routine resupply mission to the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough) Shoal when three CCG ships and one Chinese Navy vessel began to approach and shadow them.

“Despite the dangerous maneuvers and use of water cannons, both BFAR vessels managed to deliver supplies to the Filipino fisherfolk near Bao de Masinloc,” BFAR said.

The BFAR ships successfully resupplied seven Filipino mother vessels and 16 fishing boats near the shoal.

“BFAR is dedicated to patrolling all Philippine maritime zones and providing support and assistance to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea,” the agency said.