China has called on the Philippines to immediately cease its provocative actions at Ren’ai Jiao, emphasizing the need for dialogue and consultation to properly manage differences.
At a regular press briefing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged the Philippines to stop its infringement and return to the right track. The statement comes in response to recent activities by the Philippine military at Ren’ai Jiao, part of China’s Nansha Qundao.
According to reports from the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the operation, the Philippine military undertook a mission to reinforce a grounded warship at Ren’ai Jiao, aiming to extend its service life.
Lin Jian stated that these actions by the Philippines confirm that their claim of sending only living necessities to the grounded warship is “a complete lie.” He highlighted that the Philippines has been attempting to send construction materials and even weapons and ammunition to the illegally grounded vessel, with the intention of carrying out large-scale repairs and reinforcements to achieve long-term occupation of Ren’ai Jiao.
“Such actions by the Philippine side seriously infringe upon China’s sovereignty, which China will never accept,” Lin said. “China will respond resolutely in accordance with the law and regulations.”
He emphasized that the root cause of the current situation is the Philippines’ violation of its promise to tow away the warship that has been illegally grounded at Ren’ai Jiao for 25 years. Lin asserted that the presence of the warship is irrefutable evidence of the Philippines’ infringement and provocation in the South China Sea, as well as a breach of the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
“We urge the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringement and provocative actions and return to the right track of properly managing differences through dialogue and consultation,” Lin said, adding that China’s determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests remains unwavering.
Ren’ai Jiao, known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal, is a reef located in the Nansha Qundao (Spratly Islands) in the South China Sea. The area has been a point of contention between China and the Philippines, with both sides asserting claims over certain features.
The situation at Ren’ai Jiao adds to the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, a vital waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s trade passes. Both China and the Philippines have expressed a willingness to manage disputes through dialogue, but incidents such as this highlight the challenges in reaching a consensus.
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China urges Philippines to stop provocative actions on Ren'ai Jiao
cgtn.com
