China takes 'measures' against Philippines in South China Sea

Coast guard acts against alleged illegal presence in disputed waters

20241202 South China Sea, China-Philippines

China's coast guard said it took "necessary control measures" on Sept. 2 against Philippine vessels fishing the disputed Iroquois reef in the South China Sea. © Reuters

December 2, 2024 21:31 JST

BEIJING (Reuters) -- China's coast guard said on Monday that it had taken "necessary control measures" against an "illegal gathering" of Philippine vessels in disputed waters of the Iroquois reef in the South China Sea.

A number of Philippine ships have in recent days "illegally" gathered in the waters of the reef in the Spratly Islands under the banner of fishing, Liu Dejun, a spokesperson for China's coast guard, said in a statement.