BEIJING (Reuters) – China has indisputable sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and its adjacent waters and is not satisfied with its violation by the Philippines, a spokesperson for the Chinese Coast Guard said in a statement late on Tuesday. He said he has always stood firm against the situation.
The spokesperson said four Filipino personnel trespassed into an area on January 28 and the coast guard warned them to leave in accordance with the law. The statement said the interaction was “professional and standardized.”
Over the past year, there have been frequent accusations and clashes between the two countries over disputed territory in the South China Sea.
China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, drawing the ire of neighboring countries who dispute some of the boundaries as part of their exclusive economic zones.
“As always, the China Coast Guard will uphold and enforce the law in China’s jurisdictional waters,” the statement said, citing the spokesperson.
China regularly patrols the South China Sea despite rising tensions with the Philippines. The Philippines has recently conducted its own joint military patrols in the region with its ally the United States, angering China.
The spokesperson said the coast guard resolutely protects national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
(Reporting by Bernard Orr; Editing by Tom Hogue and Lincoln Feast)