Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) — China has called on the Philippines to stop making a fuss over bilateral maritime issues and stop any encroachment on Chinese sovereignty and provocations that could complicate the situation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Thursday.
Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular press briefing, commenting on recent aggressive remarks by Philippine military and government officials over the Ren'ai Reef issue.
Recalling that the Ren'ai Reef, as part of the Nansha Islands, is Chinese territory, Guo Jiakun noted that the activities of Chinese vessels in waters under Chinese jurisdiction are fair and legal and there is nothing reprehensible about them.
The spokesman stressed that the Philippines, by leaving its "warship" "grounded" on Ren'ai Reef for a long period, infringed on China's sovereignty and violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, in particular Article 5, which states that parties shall refrain from inhabiting uninhabited islands and reefs.
China has consistently demanded that the Philippines tow away its vessel and restore Ren'ai Reef to its original state without people or structures, the diplomat said.
In recent years, Guo Jiakun continued, for humanitarian reasons, China has allowed the Philippines to replenish the ship's supplies of daily necessities, on the condition that it not deliver construction materials, notify the Chinese side in advance, and allow access to the cargo for on-site inspection. China has reached a temporary agreement with the Philippines on this matter, which fully demonstrates its goodwill and sincere desire to keep the situation on Ren'ai Reef under control, the official added.
However, the Philippines has recently taken a series of provocative actions at sea that violate China's sovereignty. According to Guo Jiakun, such actions seriously infringe on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, harm maritime peace and stability, and undermine the political basis for properly settling maritime issues between China and the Philippines.
China is determined to defend its territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests, the Chinese diplomat stressed. –0–
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