Beijing, 22 July 2024 (TDI): On Monday, a representative from the Chinese foreign ministry commented that both China and the Philippines reached an agreement on Ren’ai Jiao’s situation with the Philippines.
The spokesperson emphasised that Ren’ai Jiao is an integral part of China’s Nansha Qundao and that China holds sovereignty over both Ren’ai Jiao and the entirety of Nansha Qundao, including their surrounding waterways.
Regarding the current situation at Ren’ai Jiao, China has openly declared its principled stance, which comprises three key points:
The Philippines has been infringing upon China’s sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
This action is particularly in violation of Article 5 of the DOC, which explicitly states that parties should abstain from inhabiting uninhabited islands and reefs. We persist in our demand for the Philippines to remove the vessel and reinstate Ren’ai Jiao’s status as a location devoid of any personnel or facilities.
Furthermore, during the period between the present moment and the time when the warship is being towed away, if the Philippines finds it necessary to provide essential items for the personnel residing on the warship, China is prepared to permit this act of goodwill, provided that the Philippines duly tells China in advance and conducts on-site verification thereafter. China will oversee the entire process of replenishment.
Furthermore, should the Philippines endeavour to transport a substantial quantity of construction materials to the warship and endeavour to construct permanent facilities or outposts, China will unequivocally refuse to accept it and will firmly intervene following legal provisions and regulations to uphold China’s sovereignty and the integrity of the DOC.
Also Read: Strengthening China-EU Human Rights Dialogue: A Collaborative Path Forward
According to the spokesman, China has lately engaged in a series of discussions with the Philippines over the management of the situation at Ren’ai Jiao.
As a result, a temporary agreement has been established between China and the Philippines regarding the provision of essential supplies for humanitarian purposes. Both parties have reached an agreement to collaboratively handle discrepancies over maritime matters and strive for a reduction of tension in the South China Sea.
){kind=link}