The Chinese Coast Guard stated that it issued repeated warnings to the Philippine ships on Tuesday, according to China’s Xinhua. The Chinese spokesperson explained that “the Coast Guard took legitimate actions to expel these ships,” pointing out that “one of them performed dangerous maneuvers and deliberately collided with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel.” The agency stated that “China demands an immediate halt to its violations,” affirming that “the Chinese Coast Guard will continue its patrols in the region to protect China’s sovereignty and maritime rights.”
