MANILA, Philippines: China has lodged a counter diplomatic protest against the Philippines, accusing them of intrusion, disinformation, and provocative actions in the South China Sea (SCS), which it claims have “jeopardized” the safety of China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and personnel.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Mao Ning, placed the blame on the Philippines for the “recent emergencies” in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) and Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal).
“I need to stress that Ren’ai Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Ren’ai Jiao, and their adjacent waters,” Mao stated.
The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, summoned Chinese Ambassador to Manila, Huang Xilian, on Monday to deliver a diplomatic protest regarding the use of water cannons against Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea on December 9 and 10.
Mao insisted that the responsibility for the recent emergencies “lies completely with the Philippines.”
“The root cause is that the Philippines has broken its promise and refused to tow away the illegally grounded warship at the reef and attempted to reinforce it on a large scale in an attempt to permanently occupy Ren’ai Jiao,” she explained.
China strongly opposes the Philippines’ attempt to occupy Ren’ai Jiao by sending construction materials to the beached BRP Sierra Madre, Mao added.
“It has also been spreading disinformation to hype up the incidents,” Mao revealed during a briefing, with the Chinese Embassy in Manila sharing the transcript of her statement.
“The Chinese Foreign Ministry has lodged a serious démarche in strong protest to the Philippine side,” she continued.
Mao emphasized that the Philippines, “in disregard of China’s goodwill, good faith, and restraint, broke its promise and kept stirring up trouble by infringing on China’s sovereignty and making provocative moves in the waters of Ren’ai Jiao.”
“We once again urge the Philippines to stop infringing on China’s sovereignty and making provocative moves, stop groundlessly attacking and smearing China, and avoid undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea,” she urged.
“We will continue to do what is necessary in accordance with domestic and international laws to resolutely respond to provocative moves that infringe on China’s sovereignty and defend our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Mao concluded.
In the ongoing territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, tensions have been escalating, with both sides accusing each other of provocative actions. The Philippines’ recent diplomatic protest over the use of water cannons against Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea has further strained relations between the two countries.
China’s claim of sovereignty over Ren’ai Jiao and the surrounding waters is a point of contention, as the Philippines disputes this claim. The Philippines has accused China of attempting to permanently occupy Ren’ai Jiao by sending construction materials to the beached BRP Sierra Madre.
Both countries have been engaged in a war of words, with China accusing the Philippines of disinformation and provocative moves, while the Philippines claims that China is infringing on its sovereignty. The situation remains tense, with both sides urging the other to cease their actions and avoid escalating the conflict further.
As the dispute continues, it is crucial for both countries to find a peaceful resolution that respects international laws and promotes stability in the South China Sea. Dialogue and diplomacy should be prioritized to prevent further tensions and potential conflict.
Source: The Manila Times
