CCG expels Philippine vessel for intrusion

The China Coast Guard said that it expelled a Philippine government vessel which intruded into the territorial waters of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea on Friday. Liu Dejun, a CCG spokesman, disclosed in a statement that the Philippine government vessel No 3006 insisted on approaching and intruding into the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Island, ignoring multiple dissuasions and warnings from the Chinese side. In accordance with China's Coast Guard Law and relevant domestic regulations, the CCG took a series of necessary measures to drive away the Philippine vessel, according to Liu. These measures included verbal warnings, monitoring and tracking, and water cannon warnings. Liu emphasized that the operations conducted by the China Coast Guard were professional, standardized, legitimate, and lawful. He pointed out that the actions of the Philippine side seriously infringed on China's sovereignty and violated international law and relevant Chinese laws. The official added that the China Coast Guard will take all necessary measures in line with the law to resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

23 held accountable for mine accident

A total of 23 people are deemed to be responsible for a coal mine accident in May 2024, which caused five fatalities in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, an investigation report said on Friday. The accident occurred on May 20 at the Xing'an coal mine of the Hegang mining company under the Heilongjiang Longmay Mining Holding Group. Nine people were trapped, but four of them were later rescued. According to the report, the direct cause of the accident was identified as the illegal use of grouting pipes to inject liquid carbon dioxide during the disposal of spontaneous combustion hazards. Rubber gaskets connecting the pipes became brittle and damaged at low temperatures, causing liquid carbon dioxide to leak and form high concentrations of carbon dioxide gas — which led to asphyxiation of the workers. The accident caused direct economic losses amounting to nearly 9.6 million yuan ($1.3 million). The investigation team has proposed suggestions for the handling of the 23 responsible individuals and related units.

China Daily - Xinhua