China Coast Guard: "Eviction Measures for Philippine Aircraft in the South China Sea... China's Inherent Territory"

"Immediate Notice to the Philippines to Cease Sovereignty Violation Provocations"

China Coast Guard announced that it has expelled a Philippine aircraft from the waters near Scarborough Shoal (Chinese name Huangyan Island) in the South China Sea.

A fleet of Chinese vessels within the South China Sea EEZ disclosed by the Philippine Coast Guard. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 20th, Liu Dejun, spokesperson for the China Coast Guard, stated on the official WeChat (China's version of KakaoTalk) account, "A Philippine C-208 aircraft illegally intruded into the airspace of Huangyan Island without permission from the Chinese government," adding, "We closely monitored and issued a warning according to the law to expel it."

Spokesperson Liu further claimed, "Huangyan Island is China's inherent territory, and the actions of the Philippines seriously infringe upon China's sovereignty and are likely to lead to maritime and aviation accidents."

He continued, "We hereby notify the Philippine side to immediately cease the provocative infringement of sovereignty," and added, "The China Coast Guard will continue to strengthen the protection of rights and law enforcement in waters under Chinese jurisdiction to resolutely safeguard the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."