CCG expels Philippine vessels illegally intruding into China's Huangyan Dao

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Friday took necessary measures to drive away Philippine vessels that illegally intruded into China's territorial waters of Huangyan Dao, a spokesperson said, vowing to resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

In a statement, CCG spokesperson Jiang Lue said that on Friday, the Philippine side organized seven government vessels, three coast guard ships and one fish carrier, and instigated a large number of fishing boats to illegally congregate in waters under the jurisdiction of China's Huangyan Dao.

During the process, three Philippine government vessels ignored repeated warnings and dissuasion from the CCG and insistently intruded into China's territorial waters of Huangyan Dao, Jiang said.

The CCG took necessary measures, including verbal warnings, blockade and control, and water cannon spraying, to resolutely drive away the Philippine vessels in accordance with the law, Jiang said, adding that the on-site operations were professional, standardized, legitimate and lawful.