In response to recent maritime provocations by the Philippines near Ren’ai Jiao (Ren’ai Reef) in China’s Nansha Islands, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reaffirmed on Monday its commitment to taking resolute measures to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. This follows the intrusion of one cargo vessel, one official vessel, and two coast guard ships from the Philippines into the adjacent waters of Ren’ai Reef on Sunday, violating China’s sovereignty and jeopardizing the safety of Chinese ships and personnel.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, emphasized that Ren’ai Reef is an integral part of China’s Nansha Qundao, and China holds indisputable sovereignty over the region. The responsibility for the recent tensions lies with the Philippines, which broke its promise to tow away an illegally grounded warship on Ren’ai Reef and attempted large-scale reinforcement to permanently occupy the area.
Despite China’s warnings and diplomatic efforts, the Philippines continued its provocative actions, infringing on China’s territorial sovereignty and violating international law, including the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, lodged strong protests against these infringements, stressing that Huangyan Island and Ren’ai Reef are inherent Chinese territories.
China urged the Philippines to cease maritime infringements, return to peaceful talks, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea. The Director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies emphasized China’s determination to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights while highlighting that the maritime dispute is an issue between the involved countries and not open to third-party interference.
Mao also criticized the United States for supporting the Philippines’ provocations, accusing the U.S. of pursuing its own geopolitical interests at the expense of regional peace and stability. The Chinese response underscores the nation’s commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and maintaining peace in the South China Sea.