Beijing Says Coast Guard Action at Huangyan Island Was Legal and Professional

Beijing, July 23 – In a briefing, the China Coast Guard’s spokesperson affirmed that the removal of two Philippine government ships, numbered 3012 and 3018, from the vicinity of Huangyan Island complied with national law and followed established procedures. The vessels entered waters that China regards as its own after ignoring official warnings.

The coast guard employed monitoring, encirclement and control tactics deemed necessary under Chinese statutes, and the operation was described as professional, standard and fully lawful. Officials highlighted Huangyan Island’s strategic significance and urged the Philippines to halt all actions they consider provocative.

The same day, a separate CCG unit led by officer Hengsha conducted a patrol around the Taoyuan archipelago, carrying out a rights‑protection mission that the agency says aligns with international maritime law and China’s coastal defense policy.