The Philippines Coast Guard vessel 4409 trespasses into the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao, March 23, 2024. /China Coast Guard
China on Saturday condemned the Philippines' trespassing into the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao and urged it not to undermine the peace and stability of the South China Sea.
China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu said in a statement that the Philippines on Saturday once again sent two coast guard ships and one supply ship to trespass into waters off Ren'ai Jiao in an attempt to transport construction materials to its illegally "grounded" military vessel, after only 18 days since the last resupply.
Gan said the Philippines was causing trouble and provoking disputes, deliberately disrupting the peace and stability of the South China Sea.
Despite multiple warnings and route controls from the Chinese side, the Philippines' supply ship forcefully entered the area, he said.
"China Coast Guard lawfully and professionally implemented regulation, interception, and expulsion," he added.
Gan warned the Philippines that "those who play with fire will get burned."
China Coast Guard is on high alert at all times, and will resolutely defend the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, he added.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Saturday also urged the Philippines to immediately stop its infringement and provocation and refrain from undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea.
In a statement, the spokesperson for the ministry said China Coast Guard took necessary measures at sea to safeguard the country's rights, firmly obstructed the Philippines' vessels, and foiled the Philippines' attempt.
The Philippines Coast Guard vessel 4409 trespasses into the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao, March 23, 2024. /China Coast Guard
Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Ren'ai Jiao, have always been China's territory, according to the statement. "This is established in the long course of history, and complies with international law."
If the Philippines insists on going its own way, China will continue to adopt resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, said the statement.
The Philippines should be prepared to bear all potential consequences, it added.