CNSO, July 22 According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian hosted a regular press conference on the 21st.A reporter asked: It is understood that on July 20, Chinese and Filipino personnel had a violent conflict on Ren'ai Reef.The Philippine military issued a statement saying that the incident resulted in the injury of a Filipino sailor.Any further news from China?Any comments on this?
Lin Jian: Regarding the fact that Philippine warship personnel illegally "sited on the beach" grossly interfered with the normal law enforcement of the China Coast Guard and maliciously attacked Chinese law enforcement personnel, the China Coast Guard has released a message to clarify the truth.
On July 20, when the Chinese Coast Guard was carrying out normal rights protection and law enforcement activities in the waters near Ren'ai Reef, the Philippine side illegally "sited on the beach" and deliberately sent two small boats to approach and ram Chinese ships in a dangerous way, and violently attacked Chinese law enforcement personnel. China had to respond resolutely in accordance with the law.Afterwards, the Philippines turned against the incident, distorted the facts, and hyped it up.China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the relevant actions of the Philippines.This morning, China has lodged stern representations with the Philippine Ambassador to China.
What I want to emphasize is that Ren'ai Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands and is Chinese territory.As we all know, on May 9, 1999, a Philippine warship illegally "sited ashore" on the Ren'ai Reef of China's Nansha Islands on the pretext of running aground.China has repeatedly asked the Philippines to tow it away, and the Philippines has made promises many times.But 27 years later, the Philippines has never fulfilled its promise.China is unswervingly determined to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.We urge the Philippines to earnestly fulfill its commitments, immediately stop provocations and false hype at sea, and effectively restrain frontline personnel. Otherwise, the Philippines will bear all consequences.
