China’s military said on Sunday it had expelled a Philippine naval vessel that had illegally intruded into waters near China's Huangyan Island, also known as Scarborough Shoal.

Senior Captain Zhao Zhiwei, spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command, said Chinese naval forces tracked, monitored, warned and ultimately drove away the Philippine ship after it entered the area without Beijing’s approval.

The actions of the Philippine side seriously infringed upon China’s sovereignty and violated both Chinese domestic and international law, Zhao said in a statement.

He added that China has issued a stern warning to Manila, demanding an immediate stop to “infringements and provocations”.

Zhao said the PLA would maintain a “high alert” in the region and is prepared to resolutely defend national sovereignty and security” in the South China Sea. (Xinhua)