(Philippines, 14th) — After China criticized multiple Philippine vessels for proceeding under the guise of fishing to provoke incidents in the waters of Xianbin Reef in China's Nansha Islands on the 12th, the Philippine side stated on the 13th that Chinese coast guard vessels used water cannons, resulting in three Philippine fishermen being injured and two fishing boats being severely damaged.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that about 20 Philippine fishing boats near Xianbin Reef were attacked and blocked by Chinese coast guard vessels using water cannons. They also noted that a small Chinese coast guard vessel cut the anchor chains of several Philippine fishing boats, endangering the safety of the crew.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that about 20 Philippine fishing boats near Xianbin Reef were attacked and blocked by Chinese coast guard vessels using water cannons. They also noted that a small Chinese coast guard vessel cut the anchor chains of several Philippine fishing boats, endangering the safety of the crew.
The Philippine side called on the Chinese coast guard to abide by internationally recognized codes of conduct, prioritize safety of life at sea over law enforcement, and avoid endangering the lives of innocent fishermen under the pretext of law enforcement.
The China Coast Guard stated on the 12th that multiple batches of Philippine vessels, on the pretext of fishing, ignored repeated warnings and dissuasion by the Chinese coast guard and insisted on going to the waters of Xianbin Reef to provoke incidents.
The China Coast Guard stated on the 12th that multiple batches of Philippine vessels, on the pretext of fishing, ignored repeated warnings and dissuasion by the Chinese coast guard and insisted on going to the waters of Xianbin Reef to provoke incidents.
The Chinese side stated that the coast guard lawfully issued warnings via loudspeaker and took necessary measures such as external deterrence to drive them away, emphasizing that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Xianbin Reef, and their adjacent waters. The Chinese side indicated that the China Coast Guard will continue to conduct law enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction in accordance with the law, firmly safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.