China files counter protest, blames PH for shoal 'emergencies'
MANILA, Philippines: China has filed a counter diplomatic protest over the Philippines alleged intrusion, disinformation, and provocative moves in the South China Sea (SCS) which «jeopardized» the safety of China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and personnel.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Mao Ning said the Philippines is to blame for the «recent emergencies» in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) and Ren'ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal).
«I need to stress that Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao, including Ren'ai Jiao, and their adjacent waters,» Mao said.
The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, on Monday summoned Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian to hand him the DFA's diplomatic protest over the use of water cannon against Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea last December 9 and 10.
Mao said the responsibility for the recent emergencies «lies completely with the Philippines.»
«The root cause is that the Philippines has broken its promise and refused to tow away the illegally grounded warship at the reef and attempted to reinforce it on a large scale in an attempt to permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao,» she said.
China, Mao said, firmly opposes the Philippines' attempt to occupy Ren'ai Jiao by sending construction materials to the beached BRP Sierra Madre.
«It has also been spreading disinformation to hype up the incidents,» Mao said in a briefing. The Chinese Embassy in Manila shared the transcript of her statement.
«The Chinese Foreign Ministry has lodged serious démarche in strong protest to the Philippine side,» she said.
Mao said the Philippines, «in disregard of China's goodwill, good faith and restraint, broke its promise and kept stirring up trouble by infringing on China's sovereignty and making provocative moves in waters of Ren'ai Jiao.»
«We once again urge the Philippines to stop infringing on China's sovereignty and making provocative moves, stop groundlessly attacking and smearing China, and avoid undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea,» she said.
«We will continue to do what is necessary in accordance with domestic and international laws to
