The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army organized forces to track, monitor, warn, and drive away a Philippine vessel in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Island on Sunday.

In a statement issued by the PLA Southern Theater Command, spokesman Zhao Zhiwei said the Philippine frigate No 36 illegally entered the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Island without the approval of the Chinese government. The Navy of the theater command tracked, monitored, and warned off the vessel in accordance with the law.

The actions of the Philippine side seriously infringed upon China's sovereignty, violated Chinese laws, and disregarded relevant international regulations, he said.

"We warn the Philippine side to immediately cease its provocative actions; otherwise, the Philippine side will bear all consequences," Zhao said. "The troops of the theater command maintain a high alert level at all times, resolutely defending national sovereignty and security and firmly upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea region."