The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the law enforcement measures it took against Philippine ships, which attempted to trespass on the Ren'ai Jiao in the Nansha Qundao in the South China Sea this week, are professional and restrained.

The China Coast Guard (CCG) took the measures to stop the illegal transportation of supplies by the Philippine vessels, and it did not take direct measures against personnel of the Philippines, said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the ministry.

Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the claim by the Philippine military that the CCG had boarded its vessels and seized guns from the Philippine side.

Disregarding China's opposition, the Philippines insisted on trespassing on the Ren'ai Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao, which was the direct cause of the incident, said Lin.

The Philippines has repeatedly claimed that it has been resupplying daily life necessities to its military vessel illegally grounded at the Ren'ai Jiao, but it has indeed been smuggling construction materials and even weapons and ammunition in an attempt to permanently occupy the reef, he said.

China urges the Philippine side to immediately stop its infringing and provocative acts, said Lin. China will continue to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and rights and interests in accordance with the law, he added.

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