Hey there, amigos! 🌎 Big news from the South China Sea that's making waves (pun intended). China is calling on the Philippines to immediately remove its coast guard vessel from the waters around Xianbin Jiao, part of China's Nansha Qundao. 🏝️
At a recent press conference, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian emphasized that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Xianbin Jiao, and the surrounding waters. Since April, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, MRRV-9701, has been anchored unlawfully at Xianbin Jiao and has stayed there for a long time. 😲
China says this seriously infringes on its sovereignty, violates international law, and threatens regional peace and stability. Wu Qian warned that patience has its limits and urged the Philippines to take immediate action to withdraw its vessel and personnel, restoring Xianbin Jiao to its uninhabited and unoccupied status. 🛑
Since August 19, the Philippines has attempted multiple times to approach Xianbin Jiao, reportedly sending coast guard vessels that deliberately rammed Chinese law enforcement ships. China states it has taken necessary measures in response, acting professionally and within regulations. 🚓
Wu Qian also pointed fingers at the United States, calling it the main instigator of the situation in the South China Sea. He claimed that U.S. encouragement and support have emboldened the Philippines to provoke repeatedly. The U.S.'s attempt to intimidate China through the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty is seen as futile by Beijing. 🤔
The tensions in the South China Sea are definitely heating up! We'll keep you posted on any updates. Stay tuned, amigos! ✌️
Reference(s):
China urges Philippines to immediately remove vessel from Xianbin Jiao
cgtn.com
