BEIJING—China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has urged the Philippines to halt what it calls infringements and provocations in the South China Sea. On Sunday, Senior Captain Zhao Zhiwei, spokesperson for the navy of the PLA Southern Theater Command, addressed an incident involving a Philippine vessel’s alleged intrusion into waters near China’s Huangyan Dao.
The PLA Southern Theater Command monitored the vessel, issued warnings, and expelled it from the area in accordance with the law. “The actions of the Philippines severely violate China’s sovereignty and contravene both Chinese law and relevant international law,” Zhao stated.
He warned, “We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately cease its infringements and provocations, or it will bear all consequences arising from its actions.” Zhao emphasized that the Theater Command remains on high alert, committed to safeguarding China’s national sovereignty and security while upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea.
