On March 23, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said that the Philippines should immediately stop the Southeast Asian country's infringement and provocation and not sabotage peace and stability in the China Sea. South (East Sea).
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| A Chinese coast guard ship uses water cannons and maneuvers closely next to a Philippine supply ship as it approaches Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on March 23. (Source: AP) |
The spokesman made this comment to protest the Philippines' provision of supplies to Manila's soldiers in Second Thomas Bank (Beijing calls Ren'ai) in the Spratly Islands (Beijing calls Nansha) in the East Sea.
According to the spokesman, despite China's strong objections, the Philippines sent a supply ship and two coast guard ships to that area on March 23 without government permission. Chinese government, invaded the waters surrounding Second Thomas Beach in an attempt to transfer construction materials to military ships illegally docked at this beach for repair and reinforcement.
According to the spokesman, "the Chinese Coast Guard has taken necessary measures at sea to protect our rights, resolutely blocking Philippine ships and efforts." "The Nansha Islands and surrounding waters, including Ren'ai Bank, have always been Chinese territory," the official said.
The spokesman warned that if the Philippines insists on going its own way, China will continue to take resolute measures to protect its territorial sovereignty as well as maritime rights and interests, and at the same time adding that the Philippines should be ready to bear all possible consequences.
(according to Xinhua News Agency)
