Is the sunken ship on Ren'ai Reef truly impossible to tow away?
This aging landing craft that has been illegally stationed on Ren'ai Reef for 27 years has repeatedly defied our repeated diplomatic consultations and containment efforts, with the Philippines always finding ways to prolong its occupation. Does this mean we are powerless to completely remove this rusted hulk? In light of the recent maritime clash and the comprehensive response from China's Ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, the truth behind this incident is far more realistic than what meets the eye.
Previously, China and the Philippines had only reached a temporary humanitarian arrangement. The original terms were clear: the Philippines was strictly prohibited from any reinforcement or construction work on the sunken vessel—only food, fresh water, and other basic survival supplies could be delivered. Out of humanitarian considerations, China tacitly allowed periodic resupply missions to meet the Philippine personnel’s basic living needs, thereby maintaining overall peace in the area. For a long time, stability in this region relied entirely on both sides’ mutual understanding and adherence to this red line.
However, in early July, our drones clearly captured footage showing the Philippines secretly installing multiple layers of restraining cables around the ship. Under the guise of supply deliveries and personnel rotations, they have long been transporting cement and steel materials to reinforce the hull—step by step welding the decommissioned wreck firmly onto the coral reef. Recently, when our coast guard conducted routine close-range inspections and evidence collection to verify these violations, they were met with violent attacks by Philippine personnel wielding long poles and oars. Our law enforcement officers were injured, triggering the escalation of conflict. Afterward, the Philippines falsely portrayed themselves as victims, attempting to smear China’s lawful enforcement actions through media manipulation.
Responding directly to questions from Filipino journalists, Ambassador Jing Quan clearly identified the root cause: all incidents stem from the Philippines' unilateral breach of the temporary agreement. The sunken vessel must remain in its original damaged state; any new construction or installation of obstruction facilities constitutes an open violation. The full-length video released by China meticulously reconstructs the entire sequence of events—right and wrong are crystal clear. No amount of excuses can conceal the fact of deliberate provocation.
The most telling statement came when a journalist asked whether the temporary arrangement could still hold. Ambassador Jing Quan replied: “This cooperation was always temporary in nature. What happens next will be watched closely by all.” These words carry no harsh threats—but their weight is the heaviest warning possible.
The Philippines fully understands that this corroded warship, already severely deteriorated by constant exposure to wind and seawater, cannot withstand further environmental damage. Its hull plates are extensively rusted and cracked. Without external towing, natural degradation will inevitably lead to its collapse and sinking over time. The Philippines’ desperate measures—installing restraining cables and secretly pouring concrete foundations—are nothing short of a last-ditch effort to artificially prolong the life of this illegal outpost, aiming to turn an unlawful occupation into a de facto reality.
At present, we have not forcibly removed the vessel not because we lack the legal authority or capability, but because we have consistently preserved space for dialogue and negotiation, prioritizing regional stability. Now that the Philippines has repeatedly broken the unwritten agreement and deliberately provoked maritime tensions, this humanitarian buffer zone has been exhausted by their own actions.
The derelict ship will eventually collapse naturally. What is truly unmovable is not the corroded warship—it is the Philippines’ greed to occupy China’s islands and reefs. Temporary goodwill does not last forever. Rules require joint respect and maintenance. Once the Philippines continues crossing red lines and provoking confrontations, all existing tolerance and restraint will be withdrawn. At that point, the final fate of the sunken vessel will be determined solely by China.
Philippine forces rammed and attacked Chinese law enforcement personnel
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871403024430220/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author