China says it monitored Philippines' resupply mission to grounded warship

China's coast guard said Tuesday that it allowed and monitored a Philippine resupply mission to a warship grounded at the Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea last week.

In a statement, China Coast Guard spokesman Liu Dejun said the Philippines dispatched a civilian boat on Dec 12 to deliver supplies to the grounded vessel, with permission from the Chinese side.

"The CCG inquired about and verified the Philippine ship and monitored the entire process," Liu said.

He expressed hope that the Philippines would honor its commitments, work with China, and jointly manage the maritime situation.

Liu added that the China Coast Guard would continue to conduct what it described as lawful rights protection and enforcement activities in the Nansha Islands, including Ren'ai Reef and nearby waters.