BEIJING: Ren’ai Jiao has always been part of China’s Nansha Qundao, and China’s position on it is consistent and firm, a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said on Tuesday.
The spokesperson made the remarks in response to two Philippine navy vessels that tried to deliver construction materials for overhauling and reinforcing a rusting Philippine military vessel on Ren’ai Jiao on August 5.
China has always stayed committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, the spokesperson said, adding that important common understandings exist between China and the Philippines on managing maritime disputes, effectively preserving peace and stability at relevant waters.
Adopting a humanitarian approach, China has made temporary special arrangements for the Philippines to deliver necessary life supplies such as food to the “grounded” military vessel, the spokesperson said. But for some time, the Philippine side has been taking unilateral actions once and again, and seeking to overhaul and reinforce the military vessel in order to permanently occupy Ren’ai Jiao, said the spokesperson, adding that such action violates international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
The spokesperson said China has repeatedly communicated with the Philippines beforehand through diplomatic channels on Ren’ai Jiao to avoid incidents at sea, and made it clear to the Philippines that it shall not send construction materials meant for overhauling and reinforcing the “grounded” military vessel on a large scale, and suggested that the two sides hold talks as soon as possible on ways to manage the situation at Ren’ai Jiao, which is a clear display of China’s goodwill and sincerity.
“Regrettably, the Philippines, in disregard of China’s repeated dissuasion and warning, tried to deliver the construction materials for overhauling and reinforcing the ‘grounded’ military vessel,” the spokesperson said, adding that the Chinese side was made to respond with necessary moves under such circumstances, and China Coast Guard took warning law enforcement measures in accordance with the law. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
