CHINA said it would take 'firm and decisive actions' against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) flagship BRP Teresa Magbanua, which has been anchored since April at the Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, a part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

'The Philippine vessel entered the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao (Escoda Shoal) without authorization and has remained there for an extended period, which significantly infringes on China's sovereignty, breaches the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and jeopardizes peace and stability in the South China Sea,' said a statement released over the weekend by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.