"චීන සාගර කලාපයේ නීතිවිරෝධීව රැඳී සිටින පිලිපීන යාත්‍රා වහා ඉවත් කරගන්න"

China urges illegally stationed Philippine vessel, personnel to leave Xianbin Jiao

A Chinese defense ministry spokesman on Thursday urged the Philippines to take immediate actions to withdraw its illegally stationed vessel and personnel from Xianbin Jiao (Reef) of the Nansha Qundao (Islands) in the South China Sea.

Wu Qian, the spokesman, made the remarks in response to a media query about a Philippine Coast Guard vessel anchoring in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao. The Philippines has attempted replenish missions for the vessel multiple times, but the China Coast Guard vessels have stopped them in accordance with the law.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Xianbin Jiao. Since April this year, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, coded 9701, intruded into Xianbin Jiao's lagoon and has illegally anchored for an extended period. Such an act seriously violates China's sovereignty, breaches international law and the stipulations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and seriously jeopardizes regional peace and stability. China firmly opposes this and has lodged solemn representations multiple times," Wu said.

Since August 19, the Philippine Coast Guard vessels have repeatedly intruded into Xianbin Jiao and acted in a dangerous manner by deliberately ramming the China Coast Guard vessels. The Chinese side took necessary measures in accordance with the law, its maneuvers at the scene totally professional and appropriate, according to the spokesman.

The Chinese side is committed to properly managing differences through dialogue and consultations, but its tolerance does have a limit, he noted.

"The Philippines should take immediate actions to withdraw its vessel and personnel from Xianbin Jiao and restore its unoccupied and no-infrastructure status. China will continue to take resolute and strong measures to safeguard its territorial and maritime rights and interests," Wu said.

Regarding the U.S. statement that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to armed attacks against Philippine military forces, public vessels, and aircraft anywhere in the South China Sea, the spokesman said that the U.S. attempt to intimidate China with the treaty is totally futile and will only arouse stronger indignation and greater morale of the Chinese people.

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