Ministry of National Defense: China will continue to carry out law enforcement actions to safeguard rights in the waters near Ren'ai Reef.

On the afternoon of August 14, Senior Colonel Tan Xih, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, released a statement regarding recent military-related issues.

Reporter: According to reports, the Philippines and Australia recently held a defense ministers' meeting and issued a joint statement expressing "serious concern" over the actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard near the Ren'ai Reef, urging all parties to conduct operations "professionally and safely." What is your comment on this?

Tan Xih: We firmly oppose the baseless accusations and attacks from the Philippines and Australia against China. Regarding the Philippines' deliberate provocation and assault on Chinese personnel at the Ren'ai Reef, the Chinese Coast Guard has already released information and provided evidence from the scene. China has taken necessary response measures, which are professional, restrained, and beyond reproach.

It is important to emphasize that the Ren'ai Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands and is an inherent territory of China. No matter what the Philippines says or does, it cannot change this fact. What the Philippines should do is to promptly remove the illegally "grounded" vessel No. 57. China will continue to carry out law enforcement actions to safeguard its rights, resolutely thwart all infringement provocations, and maintain national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. We urge relevant countries to stop sensationalizing, stirring up confrontation, and harming regional peace and stability.