China urges Philippines to remove vessel from Ren'ai Reef

The Chinese Defense Ministry on Thursday urged the Philippines to promptly remove its vessel grounded illegally at Ren'ai Reef and stop all provocative activities, reiterating China's position on safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, reiterated at a regular news conference that Ren'ai Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands.

Zhang said China and the Philippines had reached a provisional arrangement on the humanitarian supply of daily necessities to Philippine personnel stationed at the grounded vessel, based on China's three-point principled position on handling the situation at Ren'ai Reef.

"China will never accept any attempt by the Philippines to use deliveries to transport construction materials to build fixed facilities or a permanent outpost, and will resolutely prevent such attempts in accordance with the law and regulations," Zhang said.

According to reports, the Philippine vessel, which has been grounded illegally at Ren'ai Reef, recently received another delivery of daily necessities after nearly 50 days of supply shortages. It is also reported that the Philippines has repeatedly attempted to use resupply missions as a pretext to transport construction materials to reinforce the vessel and permanently anchor it to the reef.

"The Philippines should promptly remove the vessel grounded illegally at Ren'ai Reef and stop all provocative activities," Zhang said. China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests while remaining committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, he said.