පිලිපීනය ගැන චීනයෙන් සැර ප්‍රකාශයක්

China vows 'strong measures' against Philippine intrusion into Xianbin Jiao

China will continue to take resolute and strong measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.

Spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks after two Philippine coast guard ships intruded into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao (Reef) in the South China Sea earlier that day.

"Two Philippine coast guard vessels, without permission from the Chinese government, intruded into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao (Nansha Islands) and, in disregard of China Coast Guard's dissuasion and warning, acted dangerously by deliberately ramming the China Coast Guard vessel that was carrying out law enforcement operation. The responsibility of causing the collision fully lies with the Philippines," Mao said.

"China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with domestic and international law. Its maneuvers at the scene were professional, restrained and appropriate," said the spokesman.

Stressing that the uninhabited island has always been China's territory, Mao said the Philippines sent coast guard vessels to intrude into waters of Xianbin Jiao in an attempt to send supplies to the Philippine coast guard vessel anchoring in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao and seek long-term presence there.

"The Philippines' move seriously infringes on China’s sovereignty, violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and threatens the peace and stability in the South China Sea. China firmly opposes it and will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold the sanctity of the DOC," she said.

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