China accuses Philippines of illegal South China Sea incursion

A spokesman for the China Coast Guard on Thursday accused the Philippines of illegally encroaching upon waters near the Nansha Islands between June 15 and 18, stating that Chinese forces handled the situation professionally and in accordance with the law.

Liu Dejun, the spokesman, asserted China's "indisputable sovereignty" over the Nansha Islands, including Banyue Reef and Jianzhang Reef, and their adjacent waters. He condemned Philippine vessels, claiming they were "illegally infringing and provoking" under the guise of "fishing protection," thereby continuously undermining stability in the South China Sea.

"We sternly warn the Philippine side that any infringing trick is futile," Liu said in a statement. He added that the China Coast Guard will continue to conduct regular law enforcement patrols in waters under Chinese jurisdiction to "resolutely safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."