China is committed to properly managing differences through dialogue and consultations but its "tolerance has limits", Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday regarding Philippines' recent provocations in Xianbin Reef in the South China Sea.
The ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Wu Qian made the remarks at a news conference in Beijing, criticizing the Southeast country for seeking long-term presence in the uninhabited reef by illegally anchoring a coast guard vessel there since April.
"The Philippine side should withdraw its ship and personnel as soon as possible and restore the unoccupied status of Xianbin Reef without leaving any infrastructure," he said.
In April, a Philippine coast guard vessel No 9701 illegally entered the lagoon of Xianbin Reef and has been anchoring there since then. Recently, the Philippines tried to deploy multiple resupply missions to the ship, which were all thwarted by the China Coast Guard in accordance with law.
The spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines claimed that the maneuvers of the Chinese side undermined the safety of Philippine crew members and violated international law, according to media reports.
Wu rebutted the claims, saying that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Islands, including Xianbin Reef, and its adjacent waters.
The Philippine ship's intrusion has seriously violated China's sovereignty, breached international law and the stipulations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and undermined regional peace and stability, he said.
"The Chinese side firmly opposes those activities and has lodged solemn representations multiple times," Wu said, stressing that Philippines' attempt to seek permanent presence at Xianbin Reef is no different from opening a Pandora's Box, as its steps have generated strong opposition from regional countries.
Since Aug 19, Philippine Coast Guard ships have repeatedly intruded into adjacent waters of Xianbin Reef, and deliberately took dangerous maneuvers to ram China Coast Guard vessels, said the spokesman,
"The Chinese side took necessary measures in accordance with law," he said, adding that the response was professional and appropriate."
"The Chinese side is committed to properly managing differences through dialogue and consultations, but our tolerance does have a limit," he said.
The official urged the Philippine side to withdraw its ship and personnel as soon as possible, and restore the unoccupied status of Xianbin Reef without leaving any infrastructure, warning that the Chinese side will continue to take resolute and strong measures to safeguard our territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests.
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