The spokespersons of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and China Coast Guard have given detailed information and made clear China’s position regarding the situation at sea. 

I would like to stress that Ren’ai Jiao has always been part of China’s Nansha Qundao. The historical context of the issue of Ren’ai Jiao is very clear, and China’s position on it is consistent and firm.

China has always stayed committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. Important common understandings exist between China and the Philippines on managing maritime disputes, effectively preserving peace and stability at relevant waters. Adopting a humanitarian approach, China has made temporary special arrangements for the Philippines to deliver necessary life supplies such as food to the “grounded” military vessel. But for some time, the Philippine side has been taking unilateral actions once and again, and seeking to overhaul and reinforce the military vessel in order to permanently occupy Ren’ai Jiao. The Philippines’action violates international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). To avoid incidents at sea, China has repeatedly communicated with the Philippines beforehand through diplomatic channels on Ren’ai Jiao. China made it clear to the Philippines that it shall not send construction materials meant for overhauling and reinforcing the“grounded” military vessel on a large scale， and suggested that the two sides hold talks as soon as possible on ways to manage the situation at Ren’ai Jiao, which is a clear display of China’s goodwill and sincerity. Regrettably, in disregard of China’s repeated dissuasion and warning, the Philippines tried to deliver the construction materials for overhauling and reinforcing the “grounded” military vessel. This is the cause of what happened there this time. Under such circumstances, the Chinese side was made to respond with necessary moves. China Coast Guard took warning law enforcement measures in accordance with the law.

China and the Philippines are separated by a strip of water, and will remain close neighbors. Peace and stability in the South China Sea serves the common interests of the two peoples as well as all countries in the region. Since this year, China has provided the Philippine side with multiple maritime initiatives including initiative on managing situations over Ren’ai Jiao, and has been waiting for the Philippines’ feedback. China stands ready to continue to properly handle maritime issues with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation. With a view to upholding maritime stability, we hope that the Philippines will meet China halfway and make joint efforts to start negotiation on above initiatives soon.

I would also like to stress that, the South China Sea is not a “hunting ground” for countries outside the region to meddle with, sow discord and provoke conflicts. For a time, the US has been inciting and supporting the Philippines attempts to overhaul and reinforce its military vessel that was deliberately “grounded” on Ren’ai Jiao. The US even sent over military aircraft and vessels to assist and support the Philippines, and repeatedly sought to threaten China by citing the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. The US has also rallied certain allies to persistently sensationalize the South China Sea issue, extensively hype up the recent maritime incident and attack China’s legitimate and lawful actions at sea. Justice lies not in the loudness of one’s voice, but in the truth and rightness. The US attempts will lead nowhere. China unequivocally rejects words and actions that aim to stoke tension and confrontation in the South China Sea. We urge the US to respect China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, and respect regional countries’ efforts to uphold peace and stability in this region.