On March 23, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the Philippines should immediately stop the Southeast Asian country's provocative and intrusive behavior and not undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea.
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| A Chinese coast guard ship fires water cannon and maneuvers closely alongside a Philippine supply ship as it approaches Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on March 23. (Source: AP) |
The spokesman made the comment to protest the Philippines' provision of supplies to Manila's soldiers at Second Thomas Shoal (called Ren'ai by Beijing) in the Spratly Islands (called Nansha by Beijing) in the South China Sea.
Despite China's strong objections, the Philippines sent a supply ship and two coast guard vessels to the area on March 23 without the permission of the Chinese government, entering the waters adjacent to Second Thomas Shoal in an attempt to transfer construction materials to military vessels illegally anchored at the shoal for repairs and reinforcement, the spokesman said.
“The Chinese Coast Guard has taken necessary measures at sea to protect our rights and interests, resolutely blocking the Philippine vessels and efforts,” the spokesperson said. “The Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, including Ren’ai Reef, have always been China’s territory.”
If the Philippines insists on going its own way, China will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the spokesperson warned, adding that the Philippines should be ready to bear all possible consequences.
(according to Xinhua)
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