BEIJING, Aug. 29 -- "The Philippine side should withdraw its ship and personnel as soon as possible, and restore the unoccupied status of Xianbin Jiao with no infrastructure," said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
It's reported that a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship has been anchoring in the lagoon of China's Xianbin Jiao for a period of time. Not long ago, the Philippines launched multiple resupply missions, which were all thwarted by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in accordance with law. The spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that the maneuvers of the Chinese side jeopardized the safety of Philippine crew members and violated the international law. The US side claimed that the Mutual Defense Treaty applies to armed attacks on the Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft anywhere in the South China Sea.
When being asked to comment on these, Spokesperson Sen. Col. Wu first pointed out that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Xianbin Jiao.
"Since its intrusion this April, the PCG vessel 9701 has illegally anchored in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao. Such an act seriously violated China's sovereignty, breached international law and the stipulations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and undermined regional peace and stability," said the spokesperson.
Following on, the spokesperson made it clear that the Chinese side firmly opposes to such activities and has lodged solemn representations multiple times. "Seeking permanent presence at Xianbin Jiao by the Philippine side is no different from opening a Pandora's Box, which has aroused strong opposition from regional countries," stressed the spokesperson.
According to Sen. Col. Wu, since August 19, the PCG ships have repeatedly intruded into adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao, and deliberately taken dangerous maneuvers to ram the CCG vessels. The Chinese side took necessary measures in accordance with law.
"Our maneuvers on the spot were professional and appropriate," added Sen. Col. Wu, who also expressed China's stance by saying that the Chinese side is committed to properly managing differences through dialogue and consultations, but China's 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.
The spokesperson also pointed out that no country surpasses the US in stirring up trouble or disrupting peace and stability in the South China Sea. The US support and endorsement has 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," warned the spokesperson.