China News Service, Beijing, March 6 (Reporter Xing Chong) Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning hosted a regular press conference on March 6.
A reporter asked: In response to yesterday's incident at Ren'ai Reef, a spokesperson for the US State Department said that China's actions were provocative and showed China's disregard for the safety of Philippine personnel and international law.
In the face of similar dangerous and illegal actions, the United States stands with the Philippines.
The United States calls on China to abide by the South China Sea arbitration ruling and stop its dangerous and destabilizing behavior.
A spokesman for the U.S. Pentagon said that China's dangerous actions, which resulted in injuries to the Filipino crew, showed a disregard for international law.
What is China’s response to this?
Mao Ning: Ren'ai Reef is an integral part of China's Nansha Islands. China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Ren'ai Reef, and its adjacent waters.
The Chinese Coast Guard took necessary law enforcement measures in accordance with the law against the Philippines' infringement and provocation on Ren'ai Reef, which was legitimate, legal, professional and restrained, and beyond reproach.
In this incident, who is actively provoking and causing trouble?
Who violated international law and endangered peace and stability in the South China Sea?
The truth is clear.
The U.S. State Department ignores the facts, confuses right and wrong, baselessly attacks and accuses China of legitimate and legitimate rights protection actions, frequently threatens China with the implementation of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, and endorses and supports the Philippines' infringing and provocative actions. China firmly opposes this.
The so-called award in the South China Sea arbitration case, which is regarded as a standard by the Philippines and individual countries, seriously violates international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and is completely illegal and invalid.
The Second Thomas Shoal issue is a bilateral issue between China and the Philippines. Any third party, including the United States, should not take the opportunity to provoke it, let alone intervene.
China is unwavering in its determination to safeguard its legitimate rights, and the Philippines' attempts to infringe and provoke will not succeed.
China advises the United States not to use the Philippines as a pawn to disrupt the situation in the South China Sea, and the Philippines should not be at the mercy of the United States.
Historical lessons show that chess pieces will eventually become discarded pieces.
(over)