The Chinese mainland has called on the Philippines to immediately withdraw its coast guard vessel from the disputed waters of Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea.
Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, stated that the vessel, MRRV-9701, has been unlawfully anchored since April, infringing on China's sovereignty and violating international law. China asserts indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao, including Xianbin Jiao, and emphasizes that the prolonged presence of the Philippine vessel threatens regional peace and stability.
China has lodged strong protests against the Philippines' actions, accusing the latter of attempting to establish a long-term presence that exacerbates tensions in the South China Sea. According to Wu, recent attempts by Filipino coast guard vessels to breach Xianbin Jiao have led to dangerous encounters, including deliberate ramming of Chinese law enforcement ships.
The Chinese mainland remains committed to managing disputes through dialogue and consultation but warns that patience has its limits. Wu called on the Philippines to restore Xianbin Jiao to its uninhabited status and pledged that China would take firm measures to safeguard its territorial and maritime rights.
Additionally, Wu criticized the United States for being the main instigator behind the current situation, accusing it of encouraging the Philippines' provocative actions through the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. He asserted that U.S. attempts to intimidate China are futile and will only strengthen Chinese resolve.
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China urges Philippines to immediately remove vessel from Xianbin Jiao
cgtn.com
