Rising Tensions In The South China Sea As China Continues Targeting The Philippines – Chinese Foreign Ministry Claims Ayungin Shoal 'Has Always Been China's Territory'; Philippine President: 'We Will Not Be Cowed Into Silence'; U.S. Stresses That Military Commitment To Manila Is 'Ironclad'

Introduction

In March 2024, the Philippine vessel "Unaizah May 4" was targeted twice by the Chinese coast guard while on a mission to resupply Filipino soldiers stationed in BRP Sierra Madre, the dilapidated warship that serves as a Philippine Navy outpost at Ayungin Shoal (known in Chinese as Ren'ai Jiao). China's official position is that "Ren'ai Jiao" is "China's territory," claiming that the territory was never once owned by the Philippines.[1] During a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian also added: "The Philippines illegally grounded a warship at Ren'ai Jiao in grave violation of China's territorial sovereignty. In May 1999, the Philippines illegally grounded a tank landing ship, Sierra Madre (LT-57), at Ren'ai Jiao."[2]

However, the historic ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016 favored the Philippines in its claims in the West Philippine Sea. Philippine Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza stated: "Ayungin Shoal is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf [as defined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award]. The Philippines have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over it." She then added that the Philippines resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre are part of routine operations in line with international law, particularly UNCLOS.[3]

On March 25, soon after the Philippine boat "Unaizah May 4" was severely damaged by the Chinese Coast Guard's direct blasting of water cannons (March 23), the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned the Chinese Embassy's Charge d'Affaires to lodge a formal protest. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing also delivered the same message to the Chinese Foreign Ministry: "China has no right to be in Ayungin Shoal."

The DFA stressed that China's interference in the Philippines' "lawful activities in its EEZ" is "unacceptable" and "infringes upon its sovereign rights." It then demanded the immediate withdrawal of Chinese vessels from the area.[4]

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also said: "We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends, but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience. Filipinos do not yield."[5]

It is worth noting that the Philippines and the United States signed a Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) in 1951. The treaty has eight articles and requires both allies to defend each other if another party attacks the Philippines or the United States. Hence, one major accident provoked by China in the West Philippine Sea could trigger the U.S. or the Philippines to invoke the MDT.

Commenting on China's hostility toward the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, U.S. President Joe Biden said that Washington's defense commitment to Manila is "ironclad." In this regard, the Philippines Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel "Babe" del Gallego Romualdez, recently stated: "With all the dangerous maneuvers that are happening, one major accident could trigger the U.S. or the Philippines to invoke the [1951] MDT, which is why we just have to hope that every morning when President Xi wakes up, he will say, 'today is not the day.'"[6]

Resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal (Source: Pna.gov.ph, August 22, 2023)

The Ayungin Shoal, a low-tide elevation, falls within the Philippines' EEZ and continental shelf as defined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award.[7] An aerial view taken on March 9, 2023 shows Philippine ship BRP Sierra Madre grounded on Ayunging Shoal (also known as Second Thomas Shoal) in the South China Sea. (Source: Philippine Star)

BRP Sierra Madre, a symbol of Philippines sovereignty that China wants to destroy. "The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era warship which was intentionally grounded to serve as an outpost for the Philippines in Ayungin Shoal, or Second Thomas Shoal, is the target of China's relentless, though unarmed, assault on Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vessels... China continued to refuse to recognize the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) which had already decided that Ayungin Shoal is a low-tide elevation inside the Philippines' EEZ. The shoal is only 124 miles away from Palawan, while China's Hainan Island, the Chinese area nearest the shoal, is 620 miles away. But in its desperate bid to double down on its deluded claim on Ayungin Shoal, China said the submerged reef is part of the Spratly Islands, or "its" Nansha Islands, on the basis of its own nine, or even ten-dash line invention, which had already been declared in 2016 by the PCA as baseless and illegal." (Source: Newsinfo.inquirer.net/1850811/brp-sierra-madre-a-symbol-of-ph-sovereignty-that-china-wants-to-destroy, October 25, 2023)

Members of a resupply mission approach the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, one of the nine outposts guarding the West Philippine Sea, to replenish supplies for its troops. (Source: INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

China's 10-Line Map

It is worth noting that, at the end of August 2023, China published a new South China Sea map that sparked rage and concern, as it featured a 10-dash line claim to the South China Sea. Thus, it is extending its territorial claims far beyond its recognized Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Describing the outrage prompted by the new map, Channel News Asia wrote: "China's Ministry of Natural Resources on Monday (Aug 28) issued the China Standard Map Edition 2023, which lays claims to large swathes of the South China Sea [that are] also disputed by Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as several land areas in India [since the map designates India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of China] and Russia.

"China's new map also revives the use of a '10-dash' line – with an additional dash to the east of Taiwan – a break with the usual nine-dash line Beijing has been using in recent years to stake its claims over large swathes of the South China Sea. The map has drawn protests from the Indian, Philippine, and Malaysian governments while Indonesia, though not a claimant-state but [which] has its Natunas within the nine-dash-line, has said it is seeking clarity on the issue."

On August 31, 2023, the Philippines stated: "This latest attempt to legitimize China's purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones has no basis under international law." It was also reported that the Philippines demanded that Beijing adhere to the Hague Tribunal's 2016 ruling, which dismissed China's claim to sovereignty over the South China Sea.

In addition, Philippines Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. stressed that the 10-dash line shown in the 2023 edition of Beijing's standard national map is unequivocal proof of its expansionist policy in the South China Sea: "That is proven by the new administrative map where they added another dash line. That is the best evidence of their expansionist agenda – to dominate the whole South China Sea and perhaps beyond."[8]

At the end of August 2023, China published a new South China Sea map that sparked rage and concern, as it featured a 10-dash line claim to the South China Sea. Thus, it is extending its territorial claims far beyond its recognized Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). (Source: Japan Forward)

The new South China Sea map published in late August 2023 by China (Source: Global Times, CCP mouthpiece)

China recently issued the China Standard Map Edition 2023, which lays claims over large swathes of the South China Sea also disputed by Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, as well as several land areas in India and Russia. New map reasserts China's claim of Taiwan, overlaps territory with India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Russia and others." (Source: Channelnewsasia.com)

March 23 And March 5 Attacks On Philippine Vessel

On March 23, 2024, Philippine boat Unaizah May 4 was severely damaged due to the direct blasting of water cannons by Chinese Coast Guard vessels and could not continue its course.[9]

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated: "At 6:08 a.m. on March 23, 2024, China Coast Guard vessel BN21551 performed a dangerous maneuver by crossing the bow against Philippine Supply Vessel Unaizah May 4 [UM4] while en route to Ayungin Shoal for the rotation and resupply mission for the Filipino soldiers stationed in BRP Sierra Madre."[10]

Filipino media outlet Inquirer also reported: "The Chinese vessel executed a reverse blocking maneuver against the supply vessel at 7:09 a.m., nearly causing a collision. Around 7:59 a.m., the Chinese coast guard began firing water cannons at the Unaizah May 4, 'deliberately targeting and hitting' the supply boat. At 8:38 a.m., the Philippine supply vessel was 'subjected to direct water cannoning by two CCG vessels near Ayungin Shoal,' resulting in heavy damages by 8:52 a.m. due to the continued blasting from the Chinese vessels... However, Chinese coast guard personnel were observed attempting to continue obstructing and impeding the resupply and rotation mission by placing a floating barrier at the northwestern entrance of the lagoon at Ayungin Shoal. Despite this, the task force reported that the mission was successfully completed at 11:59 a.m."[11]

The Philippines reported that three Philippine soldiers were injured in this latest China Coast Guard water cannon attack.[12]

As mentioned, in the month of March 2024, the Unaizah May 4 was targeted twice by the Chinese coast guard. On March 5, Unaizah May 4's windshield was shattered, causing injuries to the crew.[13]

Philippine Supply Vessel Unaizah May 4 en route to Ayungin Shoal for a Rotation and Resupply Mission was water cannoned by a China Coast Guard around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.(Source: Armed Forces of the Philippines)

Reactions In The Philippines

In addition to the reaction of the Philippine government, Filipino officials and experts commented on China's attacks on Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

Filipino Senator Risa Hontiveros stated: "I am enraged at how China's water cannons relentlessly attacked our Filipino personnel... I support the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) lodging of a strong protest against this recent harassment, but I also call on the Department to expedite the filing of a resolution in the UN General Assembly that calls on China to stop this blatant violence in Philippine waters. I also hope the DFA can gather our neighbors in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Malaysia, to stand with the Philippines as we face common security threats and assaults by China. This is urgent... Let us show our troops that we are also taking concrete steps to fight for them in all diplomatic and political avenues available to us. China's white hulls are nothing but gray hulls in disguise. Her 'police actions' are unlawful acts of aggression under international law... To China, you should be ashamed. Stop behaving like a criminal. Have some decency. It's not too late to act like a dignified country."[14]

Renowned Manila-based economist, political scientist, and contributor to the media outlet Philippine Star Andrew James Masigan, who is also a MEMRI special advisor, further stressed that China's hostility toward the Philippines stems from the "Philippines' correct pivot to the axis of democracy." Commenting on the frequent China's water cannon attacks against Filipino vessels, Masigan stressed: "We must not take the frequent water cannon attacks like a sitting duck. I think Philippine National Security Secretary Eduardo Año was wrong not to react. He should have fired back with water cannons since matching one type of aggression with the same cannot be considered escalation. Because, as I have said before, real escalation is to show weakness. Weakness is akin to an open invitation for China to act with impunity. A calculated retaliatory action works as strategic deterrence."[15]

A Philippine civilian vessel on a supply mission for troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal is blasted with a water cannon by a Chinese coast guard vessel on March 5, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines).

Following are the comments of the Chinese Foreign Ministry to the growing tensions between China and the Philippines and to the support that the United States, South Korea and India are expressing to the Philippines against China's hegemonic and expansionist ambitions:

China Foreign Ministry Spokesman: "We Urge The ROK To Stay Prudent When It Comes To The South China Sea Issue"

On March 28, 2024, during a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian urged South Korea not to intervene in China's dispute with the Philippines. "The ROK [Republic of Korea] is not a party to the South China Sea issue. What the ROK has done lately does not contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea, still less to China-ROK relations. We urge the ROK to stay prudent when it comes to the South China Sea issue," Lin Jian said.

Commenting on the Chinese Coast Guard's direct blasting of water cannons on Philippine boat "Unaizah May 4" on March 23, South Korea's Foreign Ministry expressed its "grave concerns." "We are gravely concerned about the recent and repeated use of water cannons in the South China Sea... These actions increase tensions in the South China Sea, a major international navigation route used by all countries including Korea, and undermine efforts to maintain peace, stability, security and a rules-based maritime order," South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Lim Soo-suk stated.[16]

Earlier, after the Chinese Coast Guard targeted the "Unaizah May 4" on March 5, the South Korean Embassy in Manila wrote on X: "The ROK Embassy in the Philippines is deeply concerned about the dangerous situation caused by collision between the Chinese and the Philippine vessels and use of water cannons against the Philippine vessels in the South China Sea."[17]

Also in that occasion, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed that South Korea is not a party to the South China Sea issue. "We once again urge South Korea to make the right choice, refrain from following others to hype up the matter, and avoid adding unnecessary burden to the China-South Korea relations," the Chinese spokesman Wang Wenbin said.[18]

Chinse Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian (Source: fmprc.gov.cn)

Following are the comments that Lin Jian made on March 28:[19]

Dragon TV: "The ROK Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said on March 26 that the government has expressed grave concerns over the repeated use of water cannons recently in the South China Sea, which damaged a Philippine ship and injured a Filipino sailor; such actions increase tensions in the major international navigation route used by all countries, including the ROK, while undermining peace, stability, safety and rules-based maritime order; freedom of navigation and overflight must be respected by all countries in the international community under all circumstances, based on the principles of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. What is China's comment?"

Lin Jian: "We've also noted the biased and unfactual comments made by the ROK Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on the South China Sea issue over the past few days. China deplores this and has lodged representations to the ROK. We have made our position clear on the Philippines' resupply mission to Ren'ai Jiao. I would like to stress once again that Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao and has always been China's territory. On March 23, the Philippines, breaking its promise once again, sent a supply vessel and two Coast Guard vessels to illegally intrude into the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao in the name of sending supplies of daily necessities. The fact is, the Philippines was not sending living necessities, but construction materials for repairing and reinforcing the illegally grounded warship. Their goal is to set up a permanent outpost on the uninhabited reef that belongs to China in an attempt to permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao, which is illegal. The Philippines has gone back on its own words, repeatedly broken its commitments made to China, and seriously violated Article 5 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. In response to the forced intrusion of Philippine vessels, China Coast Guard had to take necessary law-enforcement measures. Their operation at the scene was justified, lawful, professional, restrained and beyond reproach. China asks the Philippines to immediately stop infringing on China's sovereignty and rights and stop making provocations. If it continues down this wrong path, China will take resolute measures to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Freedom of navigation in the South China Sea has never been an issue. Every year, over 100,000 commercial vessels sail through those waters. None of them have encountered obstruction.

"The ROK is not a party to the South China Sea issue. What the ROK has done lately does not contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea, still less to China-ROK relations. We urge the ROK to stay prudent when it comes to the South China Sea issue."

China Foreign Ministry Spokesman To India: "Third Parties Have No Right To Interfere Whatsoever"

On March 26, 2024, during a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that "third parties have no right to interfere whatsoever" in the dispute in the South China Sea, referring to Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar's visit in the Philippines (March 25-27, 2024). During his visit, India expressed support for the Philippines' sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea amid China's incursions in the waterway.

The Philippine news agency reported: "Jaishankar assured [Philippine President] Marcos that India is 'very resolute' in its position on the South China Sea disputes, and acknowledges the validity of the 2016 Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling, which invalidates China's claim on the Philippine waters.

"Jaishankar said it is important for the Philippines, India, and other countries to coordinate and uphold international rules-based laws, such as the United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to maintain peace and order in the Indo-Pacific region.

"He also expressed his willingness to become a 'charter member' of the Philippines, as far as efforts against China's aggression in the South China Sea are concerned. Jaishankar said India is ready to help the Philippines, whatever consequences they may be confronted with. 'So, if you want a country, which actually says will accept the judgement even if it goes against us, we are actually a natural candidate. So, we can be on your ship,' Jaishankar told Marcos.

"Marcos thanked Jaishankar and assured the latter that his administration will continue to uphold and adhere to the UNCLOS and international rules-based orders. The Philippines and India have agreed to accelerate maritime cooperation and hold an inaugural dialogue soon to discuss potential partnerships from marine environment protection down to security, according to a joint statement issued by Jaishankar and [Philippines] Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo after their bilateral meeting."[20]

In welcoming Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Malacañan, Philippines President Marcos said the Philippines and India shared common interests particularly in maintaining peace and order in the Indo-Pacific region. (Source: Pco.gov.ph)

Commenting on Jaishankar's visit to the Philippines, CCP mouthpiece Global Times wrote: "Jaishankar's visit is not purely for diplomatic purposes. India is not particularly enthusiastic about developing relations with the Philippines, with very little bilateral trade and minimal bilateral investment. However, since India views China as a strategic rival, its motivation to draw countries that have conflicts with China, especially over territorial sovereignty disputes, grows stronger. After meeting with his Philippine counterpart in Manila... Jaishankar called for 'staunch adherence to a rules-based order,' and reaffirmed 'India's support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty.'

"Jaishankar's remarks are nothing but a one-sided attempt to cozy up to the Philippines, and he may not even believe his own words. After all, India shows little interest to developing relations with neighboring countries in line with the so-called rules-based order. Jaishankar is just hoping that these 'rules' will be effective for other countries, but not binding for India. This is typical double standards, as that of the West."[21]

Cartoon by the CCP mouthpiece Global Times (Source: Globaltimes.cn)

Below are the comments that Lin Jian made on March 26:[22]

Reuters: "The Philippines has been in conflict with China over the South China Sea. Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met with the Philippines' foreign minister and said he supports the Philippines in upholding its sovereignty and wants to cooperate more on defense and security. Do you have a comment on that?"

Lin Jian: "Maritime disputes are issues between the countries concerned. Third parties have no right to interfere whatsoever. We urge relevant parties to face squarely the facts and truth on the South China Sea issue, and respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and the efforts of regional countries to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable." 

China Foreign Ministry Spokesman: "U.S. Is Not A Party To The South China Sea Issue"

On March 25, 2024, during a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated: "The US is not a party to the South China Sea issue, yet it keeps meddling in the issue, sowing discord concerning maritime issues between China and the Philippines and falsely accusing China, causing instability in the region. The US has arbitrarily threatened to resort to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and endorsed the Philippines' acts of infringing on China's sovereignty. Such moves seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and jeopardize regional peace and stability."

On March 27, 2024, in a phone call with Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro,[23] U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed "the ironclad U.S. commitment to the Philippines" and to the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. The treaty binds both countries to defend each other if under attack.[24]

On March 23, 2024, on the day that the Philippine vessel was targeted, the US Department of State wrote: "The United States stands with its ally the Philippines and condemns the dangerous actions by the People's Republic of China (PRC) against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea on March 23. PRC ships' repeated employment of water cannons and reckless blocking maneuvers resulted in injuries to Filipino service members and significant damage to their resupply vessel, rendering it immobile. The PRC's actions prevent normal personnel rotations and deprive Filipino service members at Second Thomas Shoal of necessary provisions. This incident marks only the latest in the PRC's repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels' exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and disruption of supply lines to this longstanding outpost.

"The PRC's actions are destabilizing to the region and show clear disregard for international law. According to an international tribunal's legally binding decision issued in July 2016, the PRC has no lawful maritime claims to the waters around Second Thomas Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal is a low tide feature clearly within the Philippines exclusive economic zone. As provided under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines, and the United States calls upon the PRC to abide by the ruling and desist from its dangerous and destabilizing conduct.

"The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea."[25]

On March 19, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the Philippines and said that the US will stand by the Philippines and "our ironclad defense commitments, including under the Mutual Defense Treaty."[26] It was also reported that the Secretary and President Marcos "looked forward to upcoming high-level events to strengthen our bilateral ties, including the meeting between Presidents Marcos and Biden in April in Washington, DC," and they welcomed the "first trilateral leaders' summit between the United States, the Philippines, and Japan, also to be held in Washington in April."[27]

In response, Lin Jian reiterated: "The US is not a party to the South China Sea issue and has no right to interfere in the maritime issues between China and the Philippines."[28]

Secretary Blinken wrote on X: "Met with Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs @SecManalo [Enrique A. Manalo] to underscore the United States' ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippines alliance." (Source: Twitter.com/SecBlinken, March 19, 2024)

Secretary Blinken wrote on X: "The U.S.-Philippine alliance has never been stronger. I had a productive conversation with President Marcos on how we can forge ahead on shared challenges – from economic resilience and clean energy to peace and stability in the South China Sea." (Source: Twitter.com/SecBlinken, March 19, 2024)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed the strengthening ties between the U.S. and Philippines as he met with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 15, 2023. (Source: Defense.gov)

Below are the comments of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made on March 25:[29]

CCTV:"The Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said yesterday in an interview that the resupply on March 23 is just an ordinary rotation and resupply or provision operation, but China Coast Guard launched water cannon attack to drive away the Filipino resupply vessels. He said the Philippines will not be deterred or intimidated. The Philippine National Task Force West Philippine Sea spokesperson denied that there is an agreement between China and the Philippines on resupply to Ren'ai Jiao. On March 23, the US State Department Spokesperson condemned the dangerous actions by China against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea and said that China's actions obstruct the freedom of navigation, destabilize the region and show clear disregard for international law. The US calls upon China to abide by the ruling of the South China Sea arbitration. The US reaffirms that the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks, including those on Philippine Coast Guard. What's China's comment?"   

Lin Jian: "Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao and has always been part of China's territory. On March 23, the Philippines once again broke its promise by sending a supply vessel and two Coast Guard vessels to illegally intrude into the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao in the name of resupply of necessities. In fact, this Philippine resupply mission is not to send necessities, but to bring construction materials to the military vessel illegally grounded at Ren'ai Jiao for its repair and reinforcement in an attempt to build a permanent outpost on China's uninhabited reef so as to permanently and illegally occupy Ren'ai Jiao. The Philippines has repeatedly gone back on its own words, refused to fulfill its commitment, seriously violated its promise to China and violated Article 5 of the DOC. In the face of the intrusion by the Philippine vessels, China Coast Guard had to take necessary law enforcement measures. The actions taken on the scene were justified, lawful, professional, restrained, and beyond reproach. China urges the Philippines to immediately stop infringing on China's sovereignty and rights and stop the provocations. If the Philippines does not change course, China will continue to take resolute steps to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

"The relevant US statement is a clear misrepresentation of facts. The US is not a party to the South China Sea issue, yet it keeps meddling in the issue, sowing discord concerning maritime issues between China and the Philippines and falsely accusing China, causing instability in the region. The US has arbitrarily threatened to resort to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and endorsed the Philippines' acts of infringing on China's sovereignty. Such moves seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and jeopardize regional peace and stability.

"The South China Sea Arbitration violated the basic principle of state consent in international law. The award is illegal, null and void, and has no binding effect whatsoever. Any attempt of citing the illegal award of the South China Sea Arbitration to undermine China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests will not succeed. There has never been any problem with the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Over 100,000 merchant vessels now travel in the region annually and not a single ship has ever encountered hurdles. However, the US and certain countries made infringements and provocations in the South China Sea in the name of freedom of navigation, undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea. This is sheer gangster logic.

"China is committed to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and at the same time working with regional countries to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable. We hope that relevant parties will see the facts and truth, uphold objectiveness, and fully respect China's rights and interests and the efforts made by regional countries for a peaceful and stable South China Sea."

China Foreign Ministry Spokesman: "China Will Continue To Take Resolute Measures To Safeguard Its Territorial Sovereignty And Maritime Rights And Interests"

On March 25, 2024, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian also stated that "Ren'ai Jiao" is China's territory and that the Philippines "illegally grounded a warship at Ren'ai Jiao in grave violation of China's territorial sovereignty." Lin Jian also stated that "the Philippines has gone back on its own words, refused to fulfill its commitment, repeatedly broken its promise made to China and severely violated Article 5 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea." However, the Philippines has repeatedly denied that it ever made any promise to China to remove the grounded warship.[30]

Cartoon by the CCP mouthpiece Global Times (Source: Globaltimes.cn)

Below are the comments of Lin Jian made on March 25:[31]

Reuters: "The Philippine foreign ministry said on Monday that China had no right to be in Ren'ai Jiao and its moves to 'interfere' with routine resupply missions there were unacceptable. Has China exhausted its diplomatic efforts in trying to resolve the situation? What is in China's toolbox that can 'fix' this?"

Lin Jian: "We have made our solemn position clear on the Philippines' March 23 resupply mission to Ren'ai Jiao.

"China's position on the Ren'ai Jiao issue is consistent and clear. Ren'ai Jiao is part of Nansha Qundao and is China's territory. We stay committed to handling disputes through dialogue and consultation and our door to dialogue and contact is always open to the Philippines. We urge the Philippines to immediately stop hyping up the bilateral maritime disputes, stop infringing on China's sovereignty and rights, stop making provocations, start honoring its promise, and refrain from any move that may complicate the situation at sea. The Philippines needs to return to the right track of properly handling maritime disputes through negotiation and consultation as soon as possible and work with China to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable. China will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."

Bloomberg: "Just now you said you urge the Philippines to work in the same direction as China and you urge the Philippines to honor its word. I presume your statement that they should honor their word is in reference to the promise that China says that the Philippines has made on the situation in the Ren'ai Shoal. Can you release the details of this promise? China has repeatedly said that the Philippines has promised certain things on this, but neither side has ever released the details of that promise and the current Philippine government says it doesn't exist. So it would be very useful for us trying to understand the situation if you would actually tell us what was promised and when."

Lin Jian: "The Philippines illegally grounded a warship at Ren'ai Jiao in grave violation of China's territorial sovereignty. In May 1999, the Philippines illegally grounded a tank landing ship, Sierra Madre (LT-57), at Ren'ai Jiao. China made stern representations at once and asked the Philippines to immediately tow away the warship. The Philippines promised several times to tow it away as soon as possible, but over 20 years have passed and the Philippines' warship is still sitting there. The two sides reached understandings several times on managing the situation at Ren'ai Jiao. The Philippines has gone back on its own words, refused to fulfill its commitment, repeatedly broken its promise made to China and severely violated Article 5 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea."