BEIJING, May 17 -- "The Chinese side urges the Philippine side to adhere to the basic norms governing international relations, stop its false narratives and reckless provocations. Otherwise, all its behaviors will only backfire on itself and do itself more harm than good," said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang at a regular press briefing on Friday.
According to reports, Philippine defense secretary recently said his department was "not aware of, nor is it a party to, any internal agreement with China". The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said "no Cabinet-level official in the Marcos administration has agreed to any Chinese proposal pertaining to" Ren'ai Jiao.
When being asked to comment on such remarks, the spokesperson replied that the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson had outlined multiple times the basic facts regarding what had happened between China and the Philippines in terms of managing the situation at Ren'ai Jiao. The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines also had released details about the relevant communication between the two sides on this issue. "The relevant facts are clear and backed by hard evidence that cannot be denied," he stressed.
The spokesperson further pointed out that the Chinese side had reached the "gentlemen's agreement", internal understandings and the "new model" on Ren'ai Jiao out of humanitarian considerations, which can help to manage differences, prevent conflicts, build mutual trust, and preserve peace and stability in relevant waters.
"The Philippine side keeps denying the hard facts, deceiving its people, and misleading the international community. Where is its credibility? What is it up to?" the spokesperson said, adding that a person without credibility cannot establish himself in society, and a country without credibility cannot grow strong.
At last, the spokesperson urged the Philippine side to adhere to the basic norms governing international relations, stop its false narratives and reckless provocations. Otherwise, all its behaviors will only backfire on itself and do itself more harm than good.