Beijing, March 24, 2024—China has called on the Philippines to cease what it describes as \”provocative actions\” in the waters near Ren’ai Jiao in the South China Sea, a region over which Beijing asserts \”indisputable sovereignty.\”
Speaking on Saturday, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, emphasized that the Philippines should \”stop all provocations\” in China’s territorial waters surrounding Ren’ai Jiao, known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal.
The China Coast Guard (CCG) announced that it had taken \”necessary measures\” against Philippine vessels that \”illegally entered\” waters adjacent to Ren’ai Jiao, part of China’s Nansha Qundao (Spratly Islands). Details of the actions were not specified.
\”China holds indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Ren’ai Jiao and its adjacent waters,\” Wu stated, adding that Beijing will \”firmly safeguard national sovereignty\” in the face of any challenges.
The Philippine government has yet to respond publicly to the statements made by Chinese officials.
Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated in recent years, with multiple countries asserting overlapping territorial claims. The area is a critical maritime route for global trade and is believed to hold significant untapped natural resources.
International observers are watching the developments closely, noting the potential implications for regional stability and international maritime law.
Reference(s):
China urges Philippines to stop provocations in South China Sea
cgtn.com
