The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized on Wednesday that the law enforcement measures taken against Philippine vessels attempting to enter Ren’ai Jiao in the Nansha Qundao were “professional and restrained.”
According to spokesperson Lin Jian, the China Coast Guard (CCG) acted to prevent the “illegal transportation of supplies” by Philippine ships. “The CCG did not take direct measures against personnel of the Philippines,” Lin stated during a regular press briefing.
Addressing claims by the Philippine military that the CCG had boarded their vessels and seized firearms, Lin attributed the incident to the Philippines’ disregard for China’s opposition. “The Philippines insisted on trespassing on Ren’ai Jiao in China’s Nansha Qundao, which was the direct cause of the incident,” he said.
Lin further alleged that the Philippines has been smuggling construction materials and weapons under the guise of resupplying necessities to a military vessel that is “illegally grounded” at Ren’ai Jiao. “They attempt to permanently occupy the reef,” he added.
China has called on the Philippines to “immediately stop its infringing and provocative acts.” Lin affirmed, “China will continue to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and rights and interests in accordance with the law.”
Reference(s):
China stresses 'professional, restrained' moves on Philippine ships
cgtn.com
