In a recent escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, the Chinese mainland has formally lodged a stern representation with the Philippines over its actions at Ren'ai Jiao. This move comes after the Philippines dispatched two coast guard ships and a supply vessel on March 23 to transport construction materials to an illegally grounded military vessel in the disputed waters.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong expressed strong objections during a phone conversation with Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro. Chen emphasized that the Philippines' actions violate China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, undermining regional peace and stability.
Highlighting China's indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao and its adjacent waters, Chen criticized the repeated provocations by the Philippines. These actions, he stated, are the root cause of the escalating tensions surrounding the disputed region.
China has urged the Philippines to adhere to its commitments, cease all infringements and provocations at sea, and refrain from any unilateral moves that could complicate the situation further. The Chinese mainland called for a return to diplomatic negotiations and consultations to properly settle the differences between the two nations.
In addition to addressing the immediate maritime disputes, Chen also voiced China's serious concerns regarding the Philippines' recent legislation on the \"Maritime Zones Act.\" Approved by the Philippine Senate, this act seeks to enforce the controversial arbitral award on the South China Sea through domestic law, incorporating China's Huangyan Dao and other features of the Nansha Qundao into its maritime zones. Chen warned that such measures severely violate China's sovereignty and maritime interests, posing a threat to bilateral relations.
Reiterating its stance, China vowed to take all necessary measures in accordance with domestic and international laws to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. The Chinese mainland continues to call on the Philippines to halt the legislative process that undermines its sovereignty and to stop all maritime infringements and provocations.
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China lodges representations to Philippines over supplying Ren'ai Jiao
cgtn.com
