Ministry of National Defense: The Philippine Side's Self-Directed Farce Cannot Shake China's Firm Determination to Defend Its Rights According to the Law

On the afternoon of March 18, Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Defense News Bureau and spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, released a statement regarding recent military-related issues.

Reporter: According to reports, on March 7, a Philippine Coast Guard reconnaissance aircraft carrying media reporters was patrolling near Huangyan Island when it was driven away by a Chinese warship's radio call. In addition, the Philippine Coast Guard stated that it would strengthen patrols in the South China Sea and expand public outreach to continuously enhance "transparency" and counter China's bullying actions. What is your comment on this?

Jiang Bin: China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands, including Huangyan Island, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant waters. It is entirely justified for China to conduct normal law enforcement activities to safeguard its rights in its own jurisdictional waters. In response to the Philippine Coast Guard's infringement and harassment, China has acted with professionalism, restraint, and legality.

Using the guise of patrols to bring reporters, shoot videos, deliberately provoke incidents, and amplify the "victim" narrative through the media is a common script used by the Philippine side. The so-called "transparency" and "exposure" claimed by the Philippine side do not reveal the truth but rather showcase a self-scripted farce. We warn the Philippine side that no matter how they edit footage or fabricate lies, it will not change the sovereignty of Huangyan Island and other reefs in the South China Sea, nor will it shake China's firm determination to safeguard its rights according to the law. We will continue to take effective measures to respond to all acts of infringement and provocation.