China has issued a strong warning to the Philippines over what it calls “provocative actions” in the South China Sea, following a tense maritime standoff near Huangyan Dao.
Ministry of National Defence (MND) spokesperson Jiang Bin said Friday that on August 11, multiple Philippine Coast Guard and official vessels “illegally entered” Chinese territorial waters. In response, Chinese Coast Guard ships monitored, shadowed, blocked, and drove them away.
Jiang accused Philippine vessels of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres,” including high-speed incursions and sharp turns across the bow of Chinese ships, creating a tense and complex situation that endangered lives and undermined regional stability.
Foreign media had earlier reported a collision between a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Chinese Navy warship during the incident, allegedly while pursuing a Philippine patrol boat. The Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner, said Philippine forces have been instructed to follow “Rules of Engagement” and maintain their right to self-defence.
China has lodged strong opposition and demanded that the Philippines halt its actions and statements immediately. Jiang reiterated that Beijing will “resolutely safeguard” its sovereignty and maritime rights, reserving the right to take “necessary countermeasures” if provocations continue.
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