December 29, 2023

The Philippines' blatant claim of building a permanent structure on the Ren'ai Jiao (Ren'ai Reef) in the South China Sea is a major move that once again serves as an attempt at breaking a promise, a change in policy, and the destruction of the uninhabited status of Ren'ai Jiao, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on Friday.

The move seriously infringes on China's sovereignty and violates international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a routine press conference, adding that China will resolutely respond to any infringement and provocation and firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

China's response came after Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Colonel Medel Aguilar said on Tuesday that the Philippine government is considering building a shelter for fisherfolk - a permanent structure - on the Ren'ai Jiao.

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