Ministry of National Defense: Advising the Philippines to Stop Its Ruthless Political Manipulation and Self-Directed Maritime Farce
On the afternoon of February 10, Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director of the Ministry of National Defense News Bureau and spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, released a statement regarding recent military-related issues.
Reporter: According to reports, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard stated that to implement the so-called "New Fisherman Hero Program," the Philippine Coast Guard has deployed ships and aircraft to provide security for Philippine fishing boats operating near Scarborough Shoal, protecting Philippine sovereignty rights and the livelihoods of fishermen. What is your comment on this?
Jiang Bin: Scarborough Shoal is an inherent territory of China and has never been within the territorial scope of the Philippines. The relevant departments of the Philippine side are using deceptive and inciting methods to push innocent fishermen to the front lines as tools for infringement provocation, even artificially creating friction to hype and smear China, which fully demonstrates that they do not care about the livelihoods and safety of fishermen at all. We advise the Philippine side to stop its unscrupulous political manipulation and self-directed maritime farce. China will continue to exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction over Scarborough Shoal and its surrounding waters in accordance with the law, and resolutely defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
On February 10, the Chinese Ministry of Defense criticized the Philippines for its maritime actions near Huangyan Island, asserting that the island is Chinese territory. The ministry accused the Philippines of using fishermen as tools for provocation and urged them to cease political manipulation. China reaffirmed its commitment to exercising sovereignty over the area.
- China asserts Huangyan Island is its inherent territory and not part of the Philippines.
- The Philippines Coast Guard is deploying vessels to protect its fishermen under a new program.
- China accuses the Philippines of using fishermen as tools for provocation.
- China warns the Philippines to stop political manipulation and maritime theatrics.
- China will continue to exercise sovereignty over Huangyan Island and surrounding waters.