Beijing, China — China has called on the Philippines to immediately withdraw its ship and personnel from Xianbin Jiao in Nansha Qundao, urging the restoration of the unoccupied status of the area.
Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Defense Ministry, made the statement on Thursday during a press briefing. He emphasized China’s indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Xianbin Jiao.
“Since its intrusion this April, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel 9701 has illegally anchored in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao,” Wu said. “Such an act seriously violates China’s sovereignty, breaches international law and the stipulations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and undermines regional peace and stability.”
According to reports, a PCG ship has been anchoring in the lagoon for some time. Recent resupply missions attempted by the Philippines were thwarted by the China Coast Guard (CCG) “in accordance with the law,” Wu noted.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines have expressed concerns, stating that the maneuvers of the Chinese side jeopardized the safety of Philippine crew members and violated international law. In response, the United States claimed that the Mutual Defense Treaty applies to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft anywhere in the South China Sea.
Addressing these concerns, Wu said, “The Philippine side’s attempt to seek a permanent presence at Xianbin Jiao is no different from opening a ‘Pandora’s box’ that has aroused strong opposition from regional countries.”
Wu accused PCG ships of repeatedly intruding into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao since August 19 and deliberately taking dangerous maneuvers to ram CCG vessels. “The Chinese side took necessary measures in accordance with law. Our maneuvers on the spot were professional and appropriate,” he asserted.
He urged the Philippines to withdraw its ship and personnel as soon as possible, stating that China is committed to properly managing differences through dialogue and consultations, but “our tolerance does have a limit.”
“The Chinese side will continue to take resolute and strong measures to safeguard its territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests,” Wu declared.
In response to the statements from the United States, Wu remarked, “No country surpasses the U.S. in stirring up trouble or disrupting peace and stability in the South China Sea. U.S. support and endorsement have emboldened the Philippine side in making reckless provocations time and again.”
“Intimidating the Chinese side with the Mutual Defense Treaty will never work. On the contrary, it will only result in stronger indignation and greater morale among the Chinese people,” he concluded.
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China urges Philippines to withdraw ship, personnel from Xianbin Jiao
cgtn.com
