The Chinese coastguard recently took “control measures” against two Philippines vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesman Liu Dejun stated that the vessels intruded into waters without permission, leading to the CCG tracking and monitoring the situation before taking control measures in accordance with the law.
Liu emphasized that the coastguard’s actions were professional, standardized, and legitimate, urging the Philippines to cease its infringement actions. This incident adds to the ongoing tensions between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea, where China has rival claims with Vietnam and Brunei.