Manila's latest provocation 'risky, futile'

China urged the Philippines to refrain from "making risky and futile provocations" in the South China Sea, a defense spokesman said on Thursday.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a news conference in Beijing in response to the recent comments and actions by some Philippine politicians on the South China Sea issue.

"Actions that violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and undermine regional peace and stability are not welcomed. We urge the Philippine side not to have illusions and miscalculations and stop making any risky and futile provocations," said the spokesman.

According to media reports, the Philippine Coast Guard said it would send another ship to the Xianbin Reef after its vessel No 9701, which had been illegally anchored in the reef since April, left the region earlier this month.

In addition, the Philippine defense secretary reportedly claimed that if China removes the Philippine warship that has been illegally grounded at the Ren'ai Reef in the South China Sea for 25 years, it would be an act of war.

Zhang said that pulling vessel No 9701 out of the lagoon of the Xianbin Reef is the "only right way forward" for the Philippines and is conducive to restoring peace and stability in relevant waters.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and its adjacent waters, including the Ren'ai Reef and the Xianbin Reef," he said. "We will take firm countermeasures against any act that infringes on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."

jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn