Ren'ai Jiao has always been part of China's Nansha Qundao, and China's position on it is consistent and firm, a spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said on Tuesday.

The spokesperson made the remarks in response to two Philippine navy vessels that tried to deliver construction materials for overhauling and reinforcing a rusting Philippine military vessel on Ren'ai Jiao on August 5.

China has always stayed committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, the spokesperson said, adding that important common understandings exist between China and the Philippines on managing maritime disputes, effectively preserving peace and stability at relevant waters.

Adopting a humanitarian approach, China has made temporary special arrangements for the Philippines to deliver necessary life supplies such as food to the "grounded" military vessel, the spokesperson said.

But for some time, the Philippine side has been taking unilateral actions once and again, and seeking to overhaul and reinforce the military vessel in order to permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao, said the spokesperson, adding that such action violates international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). 

The spokesperson said China has repeatedly communicated with the Philippines beforehand through diplomatic channels on Ren'ai Jiao to avoid incidents at sea, and made it clear to the Philippines that it shall not send construction materials meant for overhauling and reinforcing the "grounded" military vessel on a large scale, and suggested that the two sides hold talks as soon as possible on ways to manage the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, which is a clear display of China's goodwill and sincerity.

"Regrettably, the Philippines, in disregard of China's repeated dissuasion and warning, tried to deliver the construction materials for overhauling and reinforcing the 'grounded' military vessel," the spokesperson said, adding that the Chinese side was made to respond with necessary moves under such circumstances, and China Coast Guard took warning law enforcement measures in accordance with the law.

Noting that peace and stability in the South China Sea serves the common interests of the two peoples as well as all countries in the region, the spokesperson said China has provided the Philippine side with multiple maritime initiatives including initiative on managing situations over Ren'ai Jiao, and has been waiting for the Philippines' feedback. 

China stands ready to continue to properly handle maritime issues with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation, the spokesperson said, expressing hope that the Philippines will meet China halfway and make joint efforts to start negotiation on above initiatives soon to uphold maritime stability.

Stressing that the South China Sea is not a "hunting ground" for countries outside the region to meddle with, sow discord and provoke conflicts, the spokesperson said the U.S. has been inciting and supporting the Philippines attempts to overhaul and reinforce its military vessel that was deliberately "grounded" on Ren'ai Jiao. 

"The U.S. even sent over military aircraft and vessels to assist and support the Philippines, and repeatedly sought to threaten China by citing the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty," said the spokesperson, adding that it has also rallied certain allies to persistently sensationalize the South China Sea issue, extensively hype up the recent maritime incident and attack China's legitimate and lawful actions at sea. 

China unequivocally rejects words and actions that aim to stoke tension and confrontation in the South China Sea, the spokesperson said, urging the U.S. to respect China's territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, and respect regional countries' efforts to uphold peace and stability in this region.

Read more:

Ren'ai Jiao clashes between China, Philippines explained

China urges Philippines to prevent situation from escalating or getting out of control

(Cover: A Chinese coast guard ship and a Philippine navy vessel near the South China Sea, August 5, 2023. /CFP)