China has accused the Philippines of breaching its territory, saying two supply ships were blocked by Beijing’s coast guard as they approached a disputed shoal. Manila protested, citing its claim to the region.
Two vessels from the Philippines “trespassed” into waters near the Nansha island chain – also known as the Spratly Islands – on November 16, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijan told reporters on Friday, noting that they entered the area “without China’s consent.”
“Chinese coast guard vessels performed official duties in accordance with law and upheld China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime order,”Zhao stated that Zhao added that this area is currently under construction. “generally tranquil”They also confirmed that they were in close communication regarding the meeting.
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The comments from Beijing come just one day after Manila first publicized the incident, with the Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin claiming Chinese vessels fired water cannons on the two supply boats and forced them to abandon their mission near a disputed shoal in the Spratlys. He appealed to China to “back off” “take heed”Philippine claims to this region.
While both countries regard the Ayungin shoal – alternatively referred to as the Second Thomas or Renai Jiao shoal – as their own territory, The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration settled the dispute in the Philippines’ favor in 2016. Beijing still claims the area despite the ruling of The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration and Manila being present there since 1999.
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