China urges removal of unlawfully 'grounded' vessel from Ren'ai Jiao

A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday urged the Philippines to tow away a vessel unlawfully "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao and cease all provocative acts in the South China Sea.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media query regarding the Philippine vessel BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), which recently received a fresh shipment of supplies.

It was reported that the Philippine side has repeatedly attempted to use such resupply missions to smuggle in reinforcement materials in order to permanently anchor the vessel on the reef.

Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao, Zhang said, noting that China and the Philippines had reached a provisional arrangement on the humanitarian resupply of living necessities for handling the situation at Ren'ai Jiao.

China would not accept any attempt by the Philippines to deliver construction materials, build fixed facilities or establish a permanent outpost on the reef, Zhang said, adding that China would take measures to prevent such actions in accordance with the law.

He said China remains committed to safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, while upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea.