China said the China Coast Guard took action on Friday to remove Philippine vessels that it described as illegally entering the territorial waters around Huangyan Dao. The statement was attributed to a coast guard spokesperson cited by Chinese state media.
According to the brief account, the CCG said it adopted what it called necessary measures to drive the vessels away. Chinese authorities framed the move as an enforcement response tied to waters Beijing says are under its jurisdiction.
The spokesperson also said China would firmly protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the area. The wording indicates Beijing is treating the incident as part of a sovereignty issue rather than a routine navigation matter.
The report did not provide additional operational details about the number of vessels involved or any further developments after the encounter. Even so, the latest statement highlights continuing friction involving Huangyan Dao and maritime activity in the surrounding waters.
