A Philippine coast guard ship caused a scrape with a Chinese vessel early Monday morning in waters near Xianbin Jiao. Later, it intruded into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao, according to the China Coast Guard.
The China Coast Guard took control measures against the Philippine vessel in accordance with the law.
Xianbin Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and the adjacent waters.
Since the beginning of this year, the Philippines has been engaging in activities around Xianbin Jiao of Nansha Islands. These activities include the negligence of the Coast Guard captain, frequent visits of other government vessels and fishing boats, organizing marine scientists and media groups for "diving activities," and holding a flag-raising ceremony on June 12 to mark the Philippines' Independence Day. The Philippines' intention to unlawfully occupy Xianbin Jiao has been particularly vocal.
All these actions show that the Philippines is trying to play a "gray zone" strategy in Xianbin Jiao, taking advantage of the South China Sea arbitration award and domestic legislation to implement new territorial expansion.
However, the Philippines seems to have forgotten history and the principles of international law. Xianbin Jiao, known as Sabina Shoal, is part of the Spratly islands in the South China Sea. The Chinese government has been exercising continuous and effective administrative jurisdiction over Xianbin Jiao.
Fishermen from China's coastal areas such as Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan have also used the reef as a traditional area for activities. The Philippines' naked territorial expansion on Xianbin Jiao is in defiance of historical facts and trampling on the rules of international law.
The repeated provocations by the Philippine side have seriously infringed on China's sovereignty and threatened peace and stability in the region.
京公网安备 11010202009201号