In the ongoing tensions within the South China Sea, China has taken a definitive stance against the presence of a Philippine warship at Ren'ai Jiao, a disputed shoal. The situation has garnered international attention as both nations navigate their diplomatic channels.
Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos recently affirmed that the Philippines will continue dialogue with China at all levels to ease South China Sea tensions and prevent incidents such as collisions or water cannoning.
Responding to these developments, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy in the Philippines stated that China is committed to managing South China Sea disputes through dialogue and consultation. The spokesperson emphasized China's relentless efforts in this regard.
\"If the Philippines truly wants to ease tensions at Ren'ai Jiao through dialogue and communication, the key is for it to honor the commitments and understandings and stop provocations,\" the spokesperson asserted.
The spokesperson further highlighted that the Philippine's long-term grounding of its warship at Ren'ai Jiao has violated China's sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), particularly Article 5, which calls for refraining from actions that involve inhabiting presently uninhabited islands and reefs. China demands that the Philippines tow away the warship promptly and restore Ren'ai Jiao to a state with zero personnel and facilities.
While China is open to allowing the Philippines to send living necessities to the warship out of humanitarianism, it insists that the Philippines must notify China in advance and that on-site verification be conducted. China will monitor the entire process to ensure compliance.
The spokesperson added that any attempt by the Philippines to send large amounts of construction materials or to build fixed facilities and a permanent outpost will not be tolerated. China will resolutely stop such actions in accordance with the law and regulations, upholding its sovereignty and the sanctity of the DOC.
These developments underscore the delicate balance of maintaining peace and adhering to international agreements in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
Reference(s):
China clear-cut on how to deal with situation at Ren'ai Jiao: embassy
cgtn.com
