On March 25, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines lodged representations with the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines over the recent illegal trespassing by Philippine resupply vessels into waters adjacent to Ren’ai Jiao.

In the representations, the Embassy pointed out that the Philippines, in violation of its own words and in disregard of China’s strong opposition communicated clearly to the Philippine side until the eleventh hour, sent two Philippines Coast Guard vessels and one resupply vessel to intrude into the adjacent waters of Ren’ai Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao on March 23, only 18 days after the last resupply mission, attempting to transport construction materials to the illegally “grounded” warship for its reinforcement. It was a deliberate and provocative move that infringed upon China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea. The China Coast Guard in response has implemented lawful regulation, interception, and expulsion in a reasonable and professional manner.

The Embassy stressed that Ren’ai Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Ren’ai Jiao, and their adjacent waters. China’s sovereignty and relevant rights and interests in the South China Sea are established in the long course of history, and are solidly grounded in history and the law. The so-called 2016 arbitration award is illegal, null and void. China does not accept or recognize it, and will never accept any claim or action based on the award. China remains committed to resolute measures in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China urges the Philippines to immediately stop infringement and provocation and return to the right track of dialogue and consultation in real earnest to find a proper way to manage the situation so as to jointly preserve the peace and stability in the South China Sea.