China Coast Guard condemns Philippine vessel over provocation near Ren'ai Reef in South China Sea

The China Coast Guard on Monday accused a Philippine vessel illegally grounded at Ren'ai Reef of deliberately provoking Chinese law enforcement personnel during a patrol in nearby waters.

According to a statement released by the China Coast Guard, the incident occurred at about 9 am on Monday when a China Coast Guard small patrol boat was conducting a routine patrol near Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea.

The statement said the Philippine vessel No 57, which is illegally grounded at the reef, deployed two rubber boats that ignored repeated warnings from the Chinese side and rapidly approached and surrounded the Chinese patrol boat in a dangerous manner.

It said that Philippine personnel first attacked Chinese law enforcement officers using paddles, long poles and other tools.

The China Coast Guard said it responded in accordance with the law by issuing verbal warnings, maneuvering its vessel and taking "reciprocal countermeasures" to bring the situation under control while exercising the "maximum degree of rationality and restraint."

The statement accused the Philippine side of distorting the facts and making false allegations against China after the incident.

The China Coast Guard urged the Philippines to immediately stop what it called infringement and provocation activities as well as "groundless hype."

It added that the China Coast Guard will continue to conduct rights protection and law enforcement operations in waters around Ren'ai Reef and elsewhere in the Nansha Islands, saying such actions are aimed at safeguarding China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.