China asks Philippines to withdraw its illegally stationed ships

China's Defense Ministry urged the Philippines on Friday to "immediately withdraw" its coast guard ships illegally stationed at the Xianbin Reef in the South China Sea.

The ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang made the remarks in an online news briefing in response to recent actions and comments by the Philippine side on the Xianbin Reef.

Recently, China Coast Guard vessels tracked, monitored and conducted control measures against actions by the Philippines to transfer personnel and supplies to its coast guard ships, which are illegally stationed at Xianbin Reef. Afterward, the Philippine side claimed that they could do anything they wanted within their exclusive economic zone.

Zhang said "China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Islands, including Xianbin Reef. The law enforcement operations of the Chinese side are legitimate and justified."

Relevant actions of the Philippine side have seriously violated China's sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea, particularly Article 5, he said.

Such actions have created new tensions in the South China Sea and further undermined regional peace and stability, said the spokesman.

"We urge the Philippine side to immediately withdraw its personnel and ships, and stop heading down the wrong path," he said.