China urges Philippines to immediately withdraw its ship, personnel from Xianbin Jiao

A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson on Thursday urged the Philippines to immediately withdraw its ship and personnel from Xianbin Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao and restore the unoccupied status of Xianbin Jiao.

It's reported that a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship has been anchoring in the lagoon of China's Xianbin Jiao for some time. Not long ago, the Philippines sent multiple resupply missions, all of which were thwarted by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in accordance with the law. 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the maneuvers of the Chinese side jeopardized the safety of Philippine crew members and violated international law. Meanwhile, the U.S. claimed that the Mutual Defense Treaty applies to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft anywhere in the South China Sea.

In response to a related query at a press briefing, spokesperson Wu Qian said China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Xianbin Jiao.

Since its intrusion this April, PCG vessel 9701 has illegally anchored in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao, Wu said, adding that such an act seriously violates China's sovereignty, breaches international law and the stipulations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and undermines regional peace and stability.

The Chinese side firmly opposes such activities and has lodged solemn representations multiple times, he said.

Wu said the Philippine side's attempt to seek a permanent presence at Xianbin Jiao is no different from opening a "Pandora's box" that has aroused strong opposition from regional countries.

Since August 19, the PCG ships have repeatedly intruded into adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao and deliberately took dangerous maneuvers to ram CCG vessels, he said.

"The Chinese side took necessary measures in accordance with law. Our maneuvers on the spot were professional and appropriate," said Wu.

"The Chinese side is committed to properly managing differences through dialogue and consultations, but our tolerance does have a limit," he said, urging the Philippine side to withdraw its ship and personnel as soon as possible.

Wu said the Chinese side will continue to take resolute and strong measures to safeguard its territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests.

He said no country surpasses the U.S. in stirring up trouble or disrupting peace and stability in the South China Sea, adding that U.S. support and endorsement has emboldened the Philippine side in making reckless provocations time and again.

"Intimidating the Chinese side with the Mutual Defense Treaty will never work. On the contrary, it will only result in stronger indignation and greater morale among the Chinese people," he said.