BEIJING, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Saturday conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters off China's Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas in the South China Sea.

The CCG said in a statement that since February, it has stepped up law enforcement patrols in this area, handling illegal and infringing vessels in accordance with law and regulations, while intensifying control over relevant maritime areas, thus maintaining China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.

The CCG drove away Philippine vessels that illegally intruded into China's territorial waters off Huangyan Dao on Feb. 21. ■