China's Southern Theater Command said on the 13th that a US destroyer intruded into Huangyan Island (referred to as Scarborough Shoal by the Philippines) and has been warned off.
According to China Central Television (CCTV) News, Senior Captain He Tiecheng, spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command Navy, said that the US destroyer USS Higgins illegally intruded into China's territorial waters around Huangyan Island without the approval of the Chinese government on Wednesday. The People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command Navy organized forces to follow, monitor, warn, and drive away the vessel in accordance with the law and regulations.
He Tiecheng stated that the US military's actions seriously infringed on China's sovereignty and security, seriously undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea, and violated international law and the basic norms of international relations. The Southern Theater Command Navy maintains high alert at all times and is determined to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and regional peace and stability.
On the other hand, China and the Philippines had another friction near the disputed waters of Huangyan Island on the 11th. The Philippine Coast Guard stated that Chinese Coast Guard vessels fired water cannons at Philippine ships and, while chasing a Philippine patrol vessel, collided with a Chinese naval warship.
Gan Yu, spokesman for the China Coast Guard, confirmed a standoff with Philippine vessels but did not mention any collision incident.