China navy says PH frigate illegally entered Scarborough Shoal waters

Chinese boats fish at the disputed Scarborough Shoal April 5, 2017. FILE PHOTO/Reuters

BEIJING — China’s Southern Theatre navy said a Philippines frigate had “illegally intruded” into the waters of Scarborough Shoal on Sunday, “seriously violating” Chinese sovereignty and laws, according to a statement.

The navy monitored and drove the vessel away, it said.

The navy urged the Philippine side to immediately stop the “infringement and provocation”, its spokesperson said in the statement late on Sunday.

READ: Woman skipper keeps China ‘bullying’ off Scarborough at bay – PCG

The Philippine embassy in China did not immediately respond to a request for comment.