23-2-2024 (MANILA) The China Coast Guard reported on Thursday that it had expelled a Philippine fishing boat that entered the waters adjacent to Scarborough Shoal, also known as Huangyan Island.
The announcement was made by the China Coast Guard on its official WeChat account on Thursday. According to the report, the Chinese Coast Guard lawfully drove away the Philippine Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Bureau 3002 vessel, which had illegally intruded into the waters near Scarborough Shoal.
Tensions between China and the Philippines over disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea have been ongoing since last year. Incidents of ships from both countries colliding have occurred multiple times, with the Philippines accusing Chinese ships of using water cannons against their vessels.
In a regular press conference on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that China has indisputable sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and its surrounding waters. The Chinese government places great importance on protecting the ecological environment and conserving fishery resources. It also strongly condemns illegal fishing activities. Additionally, the spokesperson dismissed the Philippines’ claim that Chinese fishermen used cyanide to harm the traditional fishing grounds of Philippine fishermen in the waters off Huangyan Island, stating that it is a fabricated allegation.
