The Philippines Should Tow Away Its Illegally Grounded Vessel at Ren'ai Jiao as Soon as Possible: Defense Spokesperson

BEIJING, August 27 -- The Philippine side should tow away BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), which is illegally "grounded" at China's Ren'ai Jiao, and stop all provocative acts, said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a press conference on Thursday. According to media reports, after nearly 50 days of supplies shortage, the illegally "grounded" Philippine vessel, BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), received a new batch of daily supplies. The Philippine side repeatedly attempted to use such resupply missions as a cover to smuggle in reinforcement materials in an attempt to permanently settle the vessel on the reef. In response to this, the Chinese defense spokesperson noted that Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao. Guided by the three-point principled position on handling the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, China reached a provisional arrangement with the Philippines on the humanitarian resupply of living necessities. If the Philippine side attempts to deliver construction materials and build fixed facilities or a permanent outpost, the Chinese side will absolutely not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with laws and regulations. "China is firmly committed to safeguarding its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and steadfast in upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea," reiterated the spokesperson.