China warns Philippines over Ren'ai Reef provocation

China Coast Guard has warned the Philippines to cease conducting infringing provocations and stop making false narratives, its spokesman said in a statement on Thursday night.

Jiang Lue said Philippine Coast Guard vessel 4409 approached waters near Ren'ai Reef to collect an injured crew member from an illegally "grounded" ship there. For humanitarian reasons, China promptly allowed the Philippines to use small boats for the transfer.

China Coast Guard handled the situation in accordance with the law and provided necessary assistance, Jiang said.

"However, the statements from the Philippine side disregard the facts and distort the truth, attempting to mislead public opinion," he said. "China holds indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Ren'ai Reef, and the surrounding waters. We sternly warn the Philippine side to immediately cease their infringing provocations and false narratives."