The Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, stated that the incident that occurred on July 20 near the Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea was instigated by the Philippine side. He added that the Philippines subsequently attempted to distort the course of events and spread misleading information.
On July 21, the ambassador told reporters that Philippine ships initiated a deliberate provocation around nine o'clock in the morning. According to him, the aim was to deliver materials intended for reinforcing a Philippine military vessel that has been stranded on a shoal near Ren'ai Reef for several years.
China dispatched two vessels to the area to inspect the cargo. Jing Quan emphasized that the Philippines violated the spirit of temporary understandings reached between the two countries regarding the reef. According to these understandings, no new structures should be built in the area. The ambassador stated that China only allows the transportation of necessary humanitarian supplies for the ship's crew.
However, according to his statement, the Philippine side attempted to force its way through with a check. Philippine vessels and their crews allegedly called on Chinese ships to leave the area and engaged in other provocative actions.
"Video recordings taken directly at the scene clearly show who instigated the incident," the ambassador said. According to him, photos and videos prove that the Philippine side acted first, subsequently accusing China, distorting the facts, and deliberately exaggerating the entire event.
Jing Quan also informed that he met with Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on July 21. Both leaders reportedly exchanged detailed views on the current state of bilateral relations.
The ambassador identified stopping further deterioration in relations between China and the Philippines as a key task. According to him, both countries should stabilize the situation and return bilateral relations to normal so that they are not influenced by forces that want to lead them in the wrong direction.
Jing Quan also emphasized that the current disputes will not change China's determination to continue negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. According to him, Beijing continues to strive to complete these negotiations by the end of this year.
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