'Illegally grounded' rusted warship root cause of tensions with Philippines, says China

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Monday said that two coast guard ships of the Philippines intruded into adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao in China's Nansha Qundao in an "attempt to send construction materials to the illegally grounded warship at the reef."

"This gravely violated China’s sovereignty and jeopardized the safety of the Chinese ships and personnel," said Mao Ning, spokeswoman of China’s Foreign Ministry

"The CCG took necessary enforcement measures against the Philippine ship in accordance with domestic and international law, which were professional, restrained, justified and legitimate," said Mao according to transcript released by the ministry.

Wang's statement came after the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Sunday charged China with alleged “aggression” and “provocations” in the disputed South China Sea.

Accusing China Coast Guard and their Chinese Maritime Militia of aggression and provocations “against our vessels and personnel over the weekend,” Marcos said such moves “have only further steeled our determination to defend and protect our nation's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.”

Mao also stressed: "Chinese Foreign Ministry has lodged serious démarche in strong protest to the Philippine side."

Manila this weekend twice accused Beijing of attempting to stop Filipino supply ships from reaching its personnel deployed on a rusted warship in the disputed waters. The Philippines side released videos of water cannoning done by Chinese vessels against the Filipino side.

The waters of Ren'ai Jiao have been bilateral tension between China and the Philippines. It is part of the Spratly Islands, specifically located near Second Thomas Shoal.