China and the Philippines have reached a provisional arrangement regarding the situation at Ren’ai Jiao, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday. The agreement comes after a series of consultations aimed at managing maritime differences and promoting deescalation in the South China Sea.
China’s Principled Position
The spokesperson emphasized that Ren’ai Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao, over which China asserts sovereignty, including the adjacent waters. The spokesperson outlined China’s principled position on handling the current situation at Ren’ai Jiao, comprising three key points:
Demand for Removal of Grounded Warship
Firstly, China continues to demand that the Philippines tow away its warship that has been grounded at Ren’ai Jiao for decades. According to China, this presence violates its sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), particularly Article 5, which urges parties to refrain from inhabiting uninhabited islands and reefs.
Humanitarian Resupply Conditions
Secondly, China expressed willingness to allow the Philippines to send living necessities to the personnel on the grounded warship, under humanitarian considerations. This is contingent upon the Philippines informing China in advance and permitting on-site verification. China intends to monitor the entire resupply process to ensure compliance.
Opposition to Construction Activities
Thirdly, China firmly opposes any attempts by the Philippines to send construction materials to the warship with the intention of building fixed facilities or establishing a permanent outpost. China stated it would resolutely prevent such actions to uphold its sovereignty and maintain the sanctity of the DOC.
Joint Efforts Towards Deescalation
Building on these points, China and the Philippines have agreed on a provisional arrangement for the humanitarian resupply of living necessities. Both sides have committed to jointly managing maritime differences and working towards deescalation in the South China Sea.
The agreement marks a step forward in cooperation between the two nations, aiming to promote stability and mutual understanding in a region often marked by territorial disputes.
Reference(s):
China reaches provisional arrangement with Philippines on Ren'ai Jiao
cgtn.com
