China responds to Australia-Philippines Ren'ai Reef statement

China will continue rights protection and law enforcement operations in waters near Ren'ai Reef to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, a Ministry of National Defense spokesman said Friday.

Senior Colonel Chen Xi made the remarks in response to a joint statement issued after a meeting between the defense ministers of the Philippines and Australia. The statement expressed "serious concern" over recent actions taken by the China Coast Guard at Ren'ai Reef and urged all parties to operate "professionally and safely."

"We firmly oppose the unfounded accusations and smears made by the Philippines and Australia against China," Chen said.

Regarding the Philippines' deliberate provocation at Ren'ai Reef and attack on Chinese personnel, the China Coast Guard has issued a statement and released evidence from the scene, he said.

The countermeasures taken by the Chinese side were necessary, professional and restrained, and were fully justified, Chen added.

He stressed that Ren'ai Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands and is Chinese territory, and that nothing the Philippines says or does can change that fact.

Chen urged the Philippines to remove its military vessel illegally grounded at Ren'ai Reef, as soon as possible.

China will continue its rights protection and law enforcement operations, firmly thwart any infringement or provocation, and safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, he said.

Chen also urged relevant countries to stop engaging in inflammatory publicity and hype, provoking confrontation and undermining regional peace and stability.