The China Coast Guard (CCG) closely monitored a Philippine resupply mission to a grounded warship at Ren’ai Jiao, part of China’s Nansha Qundao in the South China Sea, according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Saturday.
The resupply mission, conducted by the Philippines to deliver living necessities, proceeded under an arrangement reached between China and the Philippines. “This morning, based on the provisional arrangement China reached with the Philippines on managing the situation at Ren’ai Jiao, the Philippine side conducted a resupply mission of living necessities,” the spokesperson stated.
The CCG oversaw the entire process after being notified in advance by the Philippines. “After confirming on-site that the Philippine vessel carried only humanitarian living necessities, the Chinese side let the Philippine vessel through,” the statement added.
The provisional arrangement is based on China’s three-point principled position on managing the situation at Ren’ai Jiao. The spokesperson emphasized that China’s sovereignty over Ren’ai Jiao, the rest of Nansha Qundao, and their adjacent waters remains unchanged.
“China will continue to properly deal with relevant territorial issues and disputes over maritime rights with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation,” the spokesperson affirmed.
Earlier, on July 22, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that it had reached a provisional arrangement with the Philippines regarding humanitarian resupply after a series of consultations on managing the situation at Ren’ai Jiao.
Background on Ren’ai Jiao
Ren’ai Jiao, known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal, has been a focal point in the South China Sea disputes. The area is part of the Nansha Qundao, over which China asserts sovereignty. The Philippines grounded an aging warship at Ren’ai Jiao in 1999, and occasional resupply missions have been a point of contention.
Continued Diplomacy
The recent resupply operation signifies ongoing diplomatic efforts between China and the Philippines to manage disputes in the South China Sea. Both nations have expressed a commitment to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation, aiming to maintain regional stability.
Reference(s):
CCG monitors Philippines' resupply mission in South China Sea
cgtn.com
