China slams Philippines for illegal operations in South China Sea

BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesperson on Thursday warned the Philippines that any attempts to infringe upon China's territorial sovereignty are futile.

The CCG has taken measures against the recent illegal activities of Philippine vessels in the South China Sea in accordance with the law and the professional code of conduct, said Liu Dejun, the CCG spokesperson.

From Sunday to Wednesday, the Philippines dispatched multiple vessels to carry out illegal operations near Banyue Jiao and Jianzhang Jiao of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea, according to Liu.

"The Philippine vessels have repeatedly engaged in illegal infringement and provocations under the pretext of 'fishery protection,' undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea," he said.

He emphasized that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Banyue Jiao and Jianzhang Jiao, as well as their adjacent waters.

The CCG will continue conducting regular law enforcement operations in the waters under China's jurisdiction to safeguard China's national sovereignty and maritime rights, Liu said. ■