China Coast Guard's action towards Filipino illegal resupplying professional, restrained: spokesperson

AFP: On the confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels happened near Ren’ai Jiao, the Chinese side said that China Coast Guard didn’t take direct measures against the Philippine personnel. But later on, the Philippine military released a new video footage of the incident, claiming that Chinese personnel fired tear gas, damaged equipment and brandished bolos. Is the Philippine description of the incident true? Can you share more details on the measures China Coast Guard took?

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian: The Philippine side has been calling white black and falsely accusing China. Ren’ai Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao and it is Chinese territory. The Philippine side illegally intruded the waters of Ren’ai Jiao without China’s permission, which violated international law and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. This is sheer provocation and has no justification whatsoever.

What is more, this operation of the Philippines is absolutely not about “humanitarian resupply.” The Philippine vessels secretly carried construction materials and even weapons and equipment, and they deliberately rammed Chinese vessels. The Philippine side threw water and hurled objects to Chinese enforcement personnel. These acts clearly escalated tensions at sea, and severely threatened the safety of Chinese personnel and vessels. The Chinese side took necessary measures in accordance with law to safeguard its sovereignty, which was lawful and justified, and done in a professional and restrained manner. It was beyond reproach.

China will firmly safeguard its lawful rights and interests. We urge the Philippines to stop infringement and provocation at sea at once. Otherwise, the consequences shall be borne by the Philippines.