“The China Coast Guard continues to carry out law enforcement operations in accordance with the law to protect our rights in waters under Chinese jurisdiction.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines announced on Friday that it had completed a “perfect” replenishment mission to Second Thomas Shoal.
02:41
Marcos Jr. says China is interested in South China Sea atolls near the Philippines
Marcos Jr. says China is interested in South China Sea atolls near the Philippines
Both China and Manila claim the disputed reef in the South China Sea, known as Ren’ai Reef in China and Ayungin Reef in the Philippines.
The incident occurred on January 21, days after talks in Shanghai agreed to de-escalate tensions, with heated exchanges over a “special arrangement” that China claimed had been made for the Philippines to airlift supplies to the shoals. It happened after.
China has often said it would allow the Philippines to transport supplies to the reef “out of humanitarian considerations” as long as the Philippines reports to China in advance and accepts Chinese on-site supervision.
Manila on Monday rejected suggestions that the Chinese government had a “temporary special agreement” with Manila to allow supplies, saying Manila has the right to supply supplies to the military. .
The Philippines is stepping up efforts to assert its claims to various disputed coral reefs in the South China Sea. Last month, it announced plans to renovate facilities on nine features in the disputed area, including No. 2 Thomas Reef.
02:03
China and Manila accuse each other of ‘provocative’ act of ship collision near disputed shoal
China and Manila accuse each other of ‘provocative’ act of ship collision near disputed shoal
The Philippine Congress also approved funding to build “permanent structures” in shallow waters that can be used as shelters for fishermen.
At a Lunar New Year event in Manila on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian called on Manila to hold “midway” talks with China and return bilateral relations to a “healthy and stable” development path.
“China and the Philippines are neighbors separated by a strip of water. Maritime issues should be properly handled through friendly consultations, and maritime differences should not dominate the overall relationship between the two countries,” Huang said. said.