Q: President Marcos mentioned recently that the Philippines will continue dialogue with China at all levels to ease South China Sea tensions and avoid collision or water cannoning incidents. What are China’s views on handling the current situation at Ren’ai Jiao?

A: China is always committed to managing South China Sea disputes with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation, and we have made relentless efforts in this regard. If the Philippines truly wants to ease tensions at Ren’ai Jiao through dialogue and communication, the key is for it to honor the commitments and understandings and stop provocations. On how to deal with the current situation at Ren’ai Jiao, China’s position is clear-cut.

First, by keeping its warship grounded at Ren’ai Jiao for decades running, the Philippines has been violating China’s sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), especially Article 5 which says refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands and reefs. We demand that the Philippines tow away the warship as soon as possible and restore Ren’ai Jiao’s state of hosting zero personnel and facilities.

Second, before the warship is towed away, if the Philippines needs to send living necessities, out of humanitarianism, China is willing to allow it if the Philippines informs China in advance and after on-site verification is conducted. China will monitor the whole process.

Third, if the Philippines sends large amount of construction materials to the warship and attempts to build fixed facilities and permanent outpost, China will not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with law and regulations to uphold China’s sovereignty and the sanctity of the DOC.