China has defended its coast guard over its recent actions against the personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Filipino fishermen earlier this month, accusing the country of intruding into its waters.
In a press conference on Monday, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin maintained that the country's vessel "intruded into the waters off the Ren'ai Reef without Chinese permission."
“On February 6, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel intruded into the waters off the Ren’ai Reef without Chinese permission. In accordance with China’s domestic law and international law,” Wang said.
The Ren'ai Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands or what the Philippines refers to as the Spratly Islands.
The PCG reported Monday that a Chinese vessel with bow number 5205 directed a laser light at PCG vessel BRP Malapascua during a February 6 rotation and resupply mission of the Philippine Navy. This resulted in the temporary blindness of their crew at the bridge.
The Ayungin Shoal is part of the country's exclusive economic zone, an area in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) reportedly occupied by China.
According to Wang, the CCG only “upheld China’s sovereignty and maritime order,” calling the act “professional and restrained.”
“We hope the Philippine side will respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and avoid taking any actions that may exacerbate disputes and complicate the situation,” he added.
On Tuesday night, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to express 'serious concern' over the continuous actions of China against PCG and the Filipino fishermen.
“They exchanged views on how to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen dialogue and communication, and properly manage maritime differences between China and the Philippines,” it said.
