2024-03-24 13:38:44
China warns the Philippines against unauthorized actions in the Ayungin (Ren’ai) Reef area in the South China Sea, as it considers them a violation of its sovereignty. This statement was made by the official representative of the Coast Guard Office (CGU) of the People’s Republic of China Gan Yu, Day.Az reports with reference to TASS.
“We appeal to the Philippine side: those who play with fire will be humiliated. The UBO is always in a state of readiness, we will resolutely defend the territorial sovereignty of our country, its rights and interests at sea,” he was quoted as saying on the department’s social media page WeChat networks.
As Gan Yu clarified, on March 23, the Philippines sent two marine police boats and one supply vessel to the said reef to resupply a warship that the Philippines had “illegally grounded.” He said Manila ended up breaking its promises because it was an “irregular operation.”
The official noted that by trying to deliver construction materials to the ship, the Philippines “took the opportunity to provoke trouble” and thereby “deliberately undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea.”
“Despite repeated warnings and bans from the Chinese side, not taking into account [осуществляемый ею] control of shipping routes, Philippine supply ship invaded [в этот район]”, added Gan Yu. He claims that the UBO boats “reasonably and professionally, legally” took measures to oust the “violator” from the specified water area.
In 1999, the Philippines stationed the World War II-era US amphibious assault ship Sierra Madre aground in the disputed reef area to monitor Chinese activities in the region. A small military contingent is constantly stationed there. Beijing has repeatedly demanded the destruction of this facility and even threatened to tow it away.
Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel and stay up to date with the main news!