On Sept 16, Philippine vessels illegally intruded into China's territorial waters near Huangyan Island. The China Coast Guard (CCG) took necessary control measures including verbal warnings, route blocking and the use of water cannons.

"The CCG enforces the law, and the use of warships means escalation," said military expert He Lei at the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. He stressed that the possibility of naval involvement ultimately depends on the actions and attitude of the Philippines.