INTERNATIONAL : On the morning of October 8, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel intruded into the adjacent waters of Ren`ai Reef in China`s Nansha Islands without China`s permission. In response, the China Coast Guard took lawful, necessary, and justified regulatory measures. Mao Ning, spokesperson for China`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated this during a regular press briefing in Beijing on October 9.

The spokesperson further elaborated that, following bilateral communication and out of humanitarian considerations, China permitted the Philippine side to evacuate an injured individual using a small boat and provided essential assistance. However, certain factions in the Philippines failed to appreciate this humanitarian goodwill, disregarding facts, taking remarks out of context, and leveling baseless accusations against China. They claimed that despite alleged obstruction from China Coast Guard water cannons and dangerous maneuvers, the Philippine Coast Guard succeeded in medically evacuating an injured personnel member from the warship illegally grounded at Ren`ai Reef. The spokesperson noted that Manila’s actions have once again laid bare its malicious intent to manufacture sensationalized hype and stir up trouble. China will respond resolutely to any malicious provocations and firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Source: Shishir, Alim, Akash | China Media Group (CMG)