China asks Philippines not to exacerbate tensions

China urged the Philippines to appreciate China's efforts in managing the maritime situation, honor its commitments, and cease actions that exacerbate tensions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Thursday.

Guo made the remarks in light of Manila's recent statement claiming that no permission was sought from, nor granted by, China for the conduct of its resupply mission to its illegally stranded vessel in Ren'ai Reef last month.

The Philippines refused to recognize China's rights regarding the reef, the statement said.

Guo reiterated China's sovereignty over Nansha Islands, including Ren'ai Reef and its adjacent waters.

China has demanded that the Philippines tow away the stranded warship, Guo stressed, adding that between now and when the warship is towed away, China is willing to allow the Philippines to send daily necessities in a humanitarian spirit if China is informed in advance and after onsite verification is conducted.

If the Philippines were to send large amount of construction materials to the warship and attempt to build fixed facilities and permanent outpost, China will absolutely not accept and will resolutely stop it in accordance with the laws and regulations, he said.

Under the principles above, China reached a provisional arrangement with the Philippines on humanitarian resupply of daily necessities last July.

Since then, based on the arrangement, the Philippines has conducted seven resupply missions, and the entire process was monitored by the China Coast Guard, he said.

China had been informed of the resupply before it was carried out, and confirmed on the scene that the Philippine vessel carried only humanitarian living necessities, he noted.

China will continue to firmly safeguard its sovereignty as well as its rights and interests, he added.