China Calls for Removal of Grounded Philippine Warship at Ren’ai Jiao
The Chinese embassy in the Philippines has reaffirmed China’s firm stance on the situation at Ren’ai Jiao, urging the Philippines to honor its commitments and remove a grounded warship that has been stationed on the reef for decades.
In recent statements, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos emphasized the importance of continued dialogue with China to ease tensions in the South China Sea and prevent incidents such as collisions or water cannon confrontations.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy responded by underscoring China’s commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation. “China is always committed to managing South China Sea disputes with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation, and has made relentless efforts in this regard,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson highlighted that the continued presence of the grounded warship at Ren’ai Jiao violates China’s sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), particularly Article 5, which calls for parties to refrain from inhabiting uninhabited islands and reefs.
“By keeping its warship grounded at Ren’ai Jiao for decades, the Philippines has been violating China’s sovereignty and the DOC,” the spokesperson stated. China demands that the Philippines tow away the warship as soon as possible and restore Ren’ai Jiao to its uninhabited state.
In a gesture of goodwill, the spokesperson mentioned that China is willing to allow the Philippines to send necessary living supplies to the personnel on the warship before its removal, provided that the Philippines informs China in advance and allows on-site verification. “China will monitor the whole process,” the spokesperson added.
However, the spokesperson warned that any attempts by the Philippines to send construction materials or establish permanent facilities on the reef would be unacceptable. “China will not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with law and regulations, so as to uphold China’s sovereignty and the sanctity of the DOC,” the spokesperson affirmed.
Ren’ai Jiao, known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal, is a disputed area in the South China Sea claimed by both China and the Philippines. The grounded warship, the BRP Sierra Madre, has been stationed there since 1999 and serves as an outpost for Philippine troops.
The ongoing tensions at Ren’ai Jiao have broader implications for regional stability and international maritime law. Both nations have expressed a desire for peaceful resolution through dialogue, but the path forward remains complex.
Reference(s):
China clear-cut on how to deal with situation at Ren'ai Jiao: embassy
cgtn.com
