China Coast Guard condemns Philippine resupply mission in South China Sea

The China Coast Guard on Friday urged the Philippines to immediately stop provocations after Manila sent a vessel to resupply a Philippine ship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea.

The Philippines went back on its commitments and proceeded with the resupply mission on Thursday despite repeated warnings from China, Jiang Lue, a spokesman for the China Coast Guard, said.

The China Coast Guard tracked and monitored the Philippine vessel and issued verbal warnings in accordance with the law, Jiang said.

He accused the Philippines of conducting the provocative operation during a Chinese holiday and attempting to sensationalize the incident. Friday marks Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday.

Such actions seriously violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and severely undermined peace and stability in the region, Jiang said.

The China Coast Guard will continue to conduct rights protection and law enforcement operations in accordance with the law in the Nansha Islands, including Ren'ai Reef, and their adjacent waters to safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Jiang said.