ECNS Beijing, April 24 (Reporter Zhang Weiran) On April 24, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jia kun held a regular press conference.

A reporter asked: It is reported that the Philippine side recently issued a statement denying that it had sought permission from China regarding the supply operation in Ren'ai Reef on March 4 this year, and claimed not to recognize any rights of China over Ren'ai Reef. What is your response?

Guo Jia kun: China has sovereignty over Nansha Islands including Ren'ai Reef and its adjacent waters. The position of the Chinese side on how to handle the current situation of Ren'ai Reef is clear and explicit.

Firstly, the Philippines' "warship" long-term "grounding" at Ren'ai Reef infringes upon China's sovereignty and violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The Chinese side demands that the Philippines tow away the warship.

Secondly, before the Philippines drags away the "grounded" warship, China is willing to allow the Philippines to transport humanitarian supplies out of humanitarian considerations, provided that the Philippines notifies China in advance and verifies the supplies on site.

Thirdly, China will absolutely not accept the Philippines transporting a large amount of construction materials onto the ship, attempting to build fixed facilities and permanent sentry posts, and will firmly stop and block such actions according to laws and regulations.

Based on the above three principles, China reached a temporary arrangement with the Philippines last July regarding the transportation of humanitarian living supplies. Since then, according to this temporary arrangement, under the full supervision of the Chinese Coast Guard, the Philippines carried out seven rounds of living supplies transportation. The transportation by the Philippines was conducted after prior notification to China, and confirmed by the Chinese side that only humanitarian living supplies were transported.

China will continue to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and interests, urge the Philippines to cherish the positive efforts made by China to manage the maritime situation, earnestly keep promises, and stop causing trouble or creating unnecessary complications. (End of article)

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496781417624486412/

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