Statement by the China Coast Guard on the Philippines' Illegal "Stranding" of Vessel No. 57 and Deliberate Provocation

[Statement from the China Coast Guard regarding the Philippines' illegal "grounding" of vessel 57 and deliberate provocation] At around 9 a.m. on July 20, 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, and approached and rammed the Chinese patrol boat in a dangerous manner. During this time, personnel from the Philippines first used paddles, long sticks, and other tools to maliciously attack Chinese law enforcement personnel. The Chinese side took measures in accordance with the law and regulations, including issuing verbal warnings, maneuvering to avoid, and implementing reciprocal countermeasures to stabilize the situation on site, maintaining maximum rational restraint. After the incident, the Philippine side distorted the facts and falsely accused the Chinese side, which is purely turning black and white upside down. We demand that the Philippine side immediately stop its infringing provocations and false hype. The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out law enforcement activities to safeguard rights in the Spratly Islands and surrounding waters, including Ren'ai Reef, in accordance with the law, resolutely maintaining national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.