BEIJING - A China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesperson on Monday said that a Japanese fishing vessel had been expelled after illegally entering the territorial waters of China's Diaoyu Dao.

The CCG has taken necessary control measures in accordance with the law, issued warnings and drove the vessel away after it illegally entered the waters from Aug 1 to 4, according to CCG spokesperson Gan Yu.

Emphasizing that Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory, Gan urged the Japanese side to immediately cease all illegal activities in these waters.

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"The CCG will continue to carry out law enforcement operations in the territorial waters of Diaoyu Dao to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the spokesperson added.

Routine patrols in South China Sea

Separately, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command conducted routine patrols in the South China Sea from Sunday to Monday, said Tian Junli, the command's spokesperson.

The Philippines had colluded with non-regional countries to organize so-called "joint patrols", which had undermined peace and stability in the region, Tian said.

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Tian stressed that the troops of the Southern Theater Command remain on high alert to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.