China urges Philippines to stop all intrusions at Ren'ai Reef

China's Defense Ministry on Sunday urged the Philippines to stop all infringement and provocation actions regarding Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea.

The ministry's spokesman, Wu Qian, made the remarks in response to Philippine ships that illegally entered the waters adjacent to Ren'ai Reef off China's Nansha Islands.

On Saturday, three Philippine vessels illegally intruded into the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Reef, attempting to illegally transport supplies and construction materials to a military vessel that was intentionally grounded by the Philippines on the reef in 1999.

The China Coast Guard lawfully and properly regulated, intercepted and expelled the Philippine vessels, resolutely thwarting the Philippines' provocative attempt to encroach on Chinese territory, the spokesman said, adding that the incident was entirely provoked by the Philippines, and China's handling of the situation was reasonable, lawful, professional and standard.

He also emphasized that China indisputably holds sovereignty over Nansha Islands, including Ren'ai Reef, and the adjacent waters.

"China's sovereignty and territorial integrity are not to be violated," Wu said.

China is willing to properly resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation with the Philippines. However, the Philippines, acting in bad faith, has attempted to illegally send construction materials to its "grounded" military vessel on Ren'ai Reef to reinforce it into permanent facilities. China will by no means sit idly by, the spokesman stressed.

"We warn the Philippines to cease making any statements that may escalate tensions and stop all acts of encroachment. If the Philippines continues to challenge China's bottom line, China will continue to take resolute measures to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," the spokesman said.