July 21, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference.
A reporter asked that, according to reports, there was a violent conflict between Chinese and Filipino personnel at Renai Reef on July 20. The Philippine military issued a statement stating that this incident resulted in an injury to a Filipino sailor. Does China have any further information on this? What is China's comment on this matter?
Lin Jian said that regarding the issue of Filipino military ships illegally approaching Chinese coast guards and violently interfering with the normal law enforcement by Chinese coast guards, as well as their malicious attacks on Chinese law enforcement officers, the Chinese Coast Guard has issued a statement clarifying the facts.
On July 20th, while Chinese coast guards were carrying out normal rights protection and law enforcement operations near Renai Reef, Filipino military ships illegally landed in the area and deliberately sent two small boats to approach and collide with Chinese vessels. They also violently attacked Chinese law enforcement officers. China had no choice but to respond firmly in accordance with the law. However, after the incident, the Philippines misrepresented the facts and sensationalized the situation. China expresses strong dissatisfaction with the actions of the Philippines and firmly opposes them. This morning, China has communicated its concerns to the Philippine ambassador to China.
I want to emphasize that Ren'ai Reef is a part of China's South China Islands, and is Chinese territory. As everyone knows, on May 9, 1999, a Philippine naval vessel illegally anchored at Ren'ai Reef under the pretext of grounding, and China has repeatedly requested the Philippines to remove it, but the Philippines has made multiple commitments over the years. However, for 27 years now, the Philippines has failed to deliver on those promises.” said Lin Jian.
Lin Jian emphasized that China’s determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights is unwavering. We urge the Philippines to earnestly fulfill its commitments and immediately cease any provocative actions at sea and false propaganda. The Philippines must also strictly control its frontline personnel; otherwise, all consequences arising from such actions will be borne by the Philippines.
On July 20th, the WeChat public account 'China Coast Guard' published footage of the deliberate provocation by the Philippines.
At around 9 a.m. on July 20th, a Chinese coast guard small patrol boat was conducting routine patrols near the China Ren'ai Reef when the Philippines' illegal warship No. 57 released two rubber boats. Despite multiple warnings from China, the Philippine vessel approached the Chinese patrol boat rapidly and collided with it head-on in a dangerous manner. During the incident, Filipino personnel first used tools such as oars and long sticks to maliciously attack Chinese law enforcement officers. China took measures such as shouting warnings, maneuvering to avoid the situation, and counteracting in kind to stabilize the situation and maintain rationality and restraint to the greatest extent possible.
After the incident, the Philippines distorted the facts and falsely accused China, which is completely contrary to the truth. We demand that the Philippines immediately cease their violations and provocations, as well as their false publicity efforts. The Chinese coast guard will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in the Nansha Islands, including Renai Reef, and its surrounding waters, in accordance with the law, and will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
