Q: The Chinese Coast Guard said it expelled Philippine Coast Guard ships and vessels that intruded into waters near the Scarborough Shoal. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment? 

A: Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory. The Philippine Coast Guard vessel and official vessel entered waters of Huangyan Dao without Chinese permission, which seriously infringed on China’s sovereignty. China Coast Guard took necessary measures to expel them in accordance with the law. China urges the Philippines to stop making infringement and provocations at once and not to challenge China’s resolve to defend our sovereignty.

Q: Just want to follow up on the South China Sea. We understand the Philippines’ ship was damaged. Could you comment on the damage? And the Philippines said that three Chinese Coast Guard ships fired water cannon at two Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. And as a result, one of the ships suffered damage. Could you comment on this? 

A: I answered that question just now. Let me stress that China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with the law, and the way it handled the situation was professional, proper and lawful.