China Coast Guard Releases Footage of Philippine Provocation Incident

Statement from the China Coast Guard regarding the Philippines' illegal "grounding" of vessel 57 and deliberate provocation

On the morning of July 20, around 9 a.m., a small patrol boat from the China Coast Guard was conducting a routine patrol near China's Ren'ai Reef when the Philippines' illegally "grounded" vessel 57 released two rubber boats. Ignoring our repeated clear warnings, they approached and surrounded our patrol boat in a dangerous manner, ramming it. During this time, personnel from the Philippines first used paddles and long sticks to maliciously attack our law enforcement officers. In accordance with the law and regulations, we took measures such as issuing verbal warnings, maneuvering to avoid confrontation, and implementing reciprocal countermeasures to stabilize the situation on site, maintaining maximum rational restraint. After the incident, the Philippines distorted the facts and falsely accused China, which is purely a reversal of black and white. We demand that the Philippines immediately cease its infringement, provocation, and false hype. The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out law enforcement activities to protect rights in the Nansha Islands and surrounding waters, including Ren'ai Reef, resolutely safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.