The China Coast Guard lawfully expelled two Philippine vessels that illegally entered waters off Huangyan Island in the South China Sea on Tuesday.

One vessel that was driven away was a coast guard ship, while the other was a public service vessel, according to a statement posted by the CCG via its official website on Tuesday morning.

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Tensions in the South China Sea have risen over the past several months because of repeated intrusions by Philippine vessels in waters adjacent to China's Ren'ai Reef and Huangyan Island.

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Earlier this year, for instance, two coast guard vessels and two supply vessels of the Philippines entered adjacent waters of Ren'ai Reef.

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In March, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the South China Sea islands have long been territories under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government, adding that China has practiced great restraint over maritime differences.