Beijing, July 22: The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Philippine ambassador on Tuesday to address serious concerns regarding recent maritime incidents.
A Chinese official stated that the Philippines engaged in provocative actions against the Chinese Coast Guard personnel at the Ren’ai Jiao Reef. China firmly opposes these actions.
Ren’ai Jiao Reef is part of China’s Nansha Islands and is considered Chinese territorial land. The enforcement actions by the Chinese Coast Guard in the waters surrounding Ren’ai Jiao Reef are deemed appropriate and legal. Two rubber boats from the Philippine warship illegally stationed at the reef dangerously approached and collided with a Chinese Coast Guard vessel.
Philippine personnel intentionally harassed and attacked the Chinese law enforcement officers, putting their safety at risk. Such actions by the Philippines are deemed extremely dangerous.
The Chinese official emphasized that the Philippines initiated these provocative actions. Instead of presenting facts, they resorted to malicious propaganda against China. China strongly opposes this behavior and demands that the Philippines cease its provocative actions and negative publicity immediately. China will take firm steps to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Chinese Coast Guard, Jiang Lue, reported that on Tuesday morning, China allowed the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 9702 to rescue 57 individuals stranded illegally in the Ren’ai Jiao waters, providing humanitarian assistance. The Chinese Coast Guard monitored the entire process of inspecting the Philippine boats.
The spokesperson further stated that the Chinese Coast Guard will continue to enforce the law in the Ren’ai Jiao area to protect its rights and interests, as well as safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
(Source: China Media Group, Beijing)
Leave a Comment