<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-29/China-urges-Philippines-to-immediately-remove-vessel-from-Xianbin-Jiao-1wsQ4Sd6A6s/img/8f5d54a573fc4fa2a33f436c18bd223d/8f5d54a573fc4fa2a33f436c18bd223d.png' alt='Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian speaks during a press conference in Beijing, May 30, 2024. /CFP'
A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that the Philippines needs to immediately remove its coast guard vessel from the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao.
China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Qundao, including Xianbin Jiao, and the surrounding waters, Wu Qian said during a press conference.
Since April, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, MRRV-9701, has been unlawfully anchored at Xianbin Jiao and has remained there for an extended period, seriously infringing on China’s sovereignty, violating international law and the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and severely threatening regional peace and stability, the spokesperson said.
China firmly opposes this behavior and has lodged strong protests multiple times, Wu said, adding that the Philippines’ attempt to establish a long-term presence at Xianbin Jiao has opened a Pandora’s box that worsens the situation in the South China Sea, which regional countries have strongly opposed.
Since August 19, the Philippines has repeatedly sent coast guard vessels attempting to breach Xianbin Jiao. During this time, they deliberately rammed Chinese law enforcement ships in a dangerous manner, and China took necessary measures in accordance with the law, operating professionally and within regulations, he said.
Wu said China is committed to properly managing disputes through dialogue and consultation, but patience has its limits.
The Philippines should take immediate action to withdraw its vessel and personnel from Xianbin Jiao, restoring its uninhabited and unoccupied status, he said, adding that China will continue to take firm and effective measures to safeguard its territorial and maritime rights.
The United States is the main instigator of the South China Sea situation and the greatest destroyer of peace and stability in the region, according to Wu.
He said it is due to the U.S.’s encouragement and support that the Philippines dares to provoke repeatedly.
The U.S.’s attempt to intimidate China with the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty is futile and will only arouse greater indignation and resolve among the Chinese people, Wu said.
