Question: On 11 December, a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development spokesperson issued a statement criticising the “unsafe and escalatory tactics deployed by Chinese vessels” against the Philippines in the South China Sea, calling for both China and the Philippines to adhere to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the findings of the 2016 Arbitral Award proceedings. What is your comment?
Embassy Spokesperson: We firmly oppose and strongly condemn the groundless accusation made by the UK, and have lodged stern representations with the UK side on this.
The facts of what happened in the waters adjacent to China's Huangyan Dao and Ren’ai Jiao are very clear. In disregard of China’s repeated dissuasion and warning, Philippine vessels went headlong towards adjacent waters of China’s Huangyan Dao and Ren’ai Jiao and dangerously rammed China Coast Guard (CCG) ships on the scene. This gravely violated China’s sovereignty and jeopardised the safety of the Chinese ships and personnel. The CCG blocked the Philippine vessels and took warning measures in accordance with the law, which were professional, restrained, and beyond reproach. It was the Philippine side who provoked the relevant incidents, and the responsibility lies entirely with the Philippines.
Instead of condemning the Philippines' provocative moves, the UK made irresponsible remarks on China's justified and legitimate law enforcement measures to defend its rights and interests. This was a blatant act of condoning the Philippines' infringement on China's sovereignty. It was shameful and should be deplored.
I would like to remind the UK side that China's rights and interests in the South China Sea have been established in the long course of history and have solid historical and legal basis. The UK’s picking on China by making an issue of the “award” of the South China Sea arbitration, which is illegal, null and void, will not shake China's firm resolve and staunch will to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with the law.
We urge the UK to respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, stop stirring up trouble and sowing discord, and stop undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea.
