Beijing, China – A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry has categorically stated that the ongoing issue at Ren’ai Jiao is a bilateral matter between China and the Philippines and does not involve the United States. This declaration comes in response to recent complaints from the United States about the actions of China’s Coast Guard and maritime militia in the disputed region.
The Chinese spokesperson emphasized that the Philippines’ actions at Ren’ai Jiao, which the US has voiced concerns over, have been encouraged and supported by the United States. They assert that the US has allowed and even abetted these provocations.
This latest development follows a statement issued by the US Department of State on Sunday, which accused China’s Coast Guard and maritime militia of obstructing a Philippine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal. According to the US, this shoal falls within the Philippine exclusive economic zone and on the Philippine continental shelf, as per the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea. The US reaffirmed that Article IV of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty covers armed attacks on the Philippine Coast Guard, armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft in the South China Sea.
Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded to the US allegations by asserting that the US statement contradicts the principles of international law and baselessly attacks China’s lawful law enforcement activities to protect its rights at Ren’ai Jiao.
Mao further characterized the US position as an attempt to endorse the Philippines’ acts of infringement and provocation. He maintained that Ren’ai Jiao has always been recognized as Chinese territory, forming an integral part of China’s Nansha Qundao islands both geographically and historically. This perspective aligns with widely held international views and complies with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provisions regarding archipelagos.
Mao also stressed that territorial sovereignty is the foundation of maritime rights and that any attempt to undermine a country’s territorial sovereignty with maritime rights has no legal basis. He labeled the South China Sea arbitration award as illegal, null, and void, adding that the US’s continued efforts to make an issue out of it were futile and couldn’t shake China’s unwavering commitment to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
According to Mao, the Philippines’ encroachments at Ren’ai Jiao have been emboldened and supported by the United States. He pointed out that, until this year, China and the Philippines had been managing the situation at Ren’ai Jiao through communication and reached understandings. However, the US has increasingly encouraged the Philippines to infringe upon China’s sovereignty and has even provided assistance in repairing and reinforcing a military vessel deliberately “grounded” on Ren’ai Jiao.
Mao continued by stating that Ren’ai Jiao is fundamentally a bilateral matter between China and the Philippines, and the United States has no place in it. He criticized the Philippines for sending public service ships and warships to the waters around Ren’ai Jiao, which seriously violated China’s territorial sovereignty, international law, and the stipulations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. He argued that China has the right to take necessary law enforcement measures against the Philippines’ infringements to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson also accused the US of selfishly pursuing geopolitical interests, inciting, supporting, and cooperating with the Philippines in its provocations at Ren’ai Jiao. These actions, he contended, not only violated international law and the norms governing international relations but also threatened China’s sovereignty and interests and undermined regional peace and stability.
In conclusion, Mao affirmed China’s determination to safeguard its lawful rights, emphasizing that the US’s efforts in the matter were destined to fail.
Read More: