The South China Sea remains a hotspot of geopolitical tension as the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized its recent actions against Philippine ships as both professional and restrained. On Wednesday, China addressed incidents involving Philippine vessels attempting to navigate the Ren’ai Jiao in the Nansha Qundao.
Lin Jian, spokesperson for the ministry, clarified that the China Coast Guard intervened to prevent the illegal transportation of supplies by the Philippine ships. Contrary to Philippine military claims, China asserted that no direct measures were taken against Filipino personnel aboard the vessels.
The crux of the dispute lies in the Philippines' persistent efforts to resupply what they describe as a military vessel grounded at Ren’ai Jiao. China countered these assertions, alleging that the Philippine side was engaged in smuggling construction materials, weapons, and ammunition, aiming to establish a permanent presence on the reef.
China has called on the Philippines to cease its provocative and infringing activities immediately. Lin Jian reiterated that China is committed to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial rights in accordance with international law.
As both nations navigate this complex maritime conflict, the international community watches closely, recognizing the broader implications for regional stability and freedom of navigation in one of the world's most strategic waterways.
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China stresses 'professional, restrained' moves on Philippine ships
cgtn.com
