AFP: The Chinese Coast Guard yesterday accused a Philippine ship of deliberately colliding with the Chinese coast guard vessel near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. They also said that China rescued Philippine personnel from the water. The Philippine side said this was “completely unfounded.” What is the Foreign Ministry’s response to this incident?

Lin Jian: Xianbin Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. On August 25, an official vessel of the Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, ignoring China’s firm opposition and repeated dissuasion, intruded into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao, and acted dangerously by deliberately ramming the China Coast Guard vessel that was carrying out law enforcement operation. The responsibility of causing the collision fully lies with the Philippines. China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with domestic and international law. Its maneuvers at the scene were professional, restrained and appropriate.

For some time, the Philippines has repeatedly sent coast guard vessels and official vessels to intrude into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao in an attempt to send supplies to the Philippine coast guard vessel, which has been anchoring in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao for a long time, and seek long-term presence there. The Philippines’ move seriously infringes on China’s sovereignty, violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and threatens the peace and stability in the South China Sea. China urges the Philippines to stop the infringement and provocation activities at once, and withdraw the vessel immediately. China will continue to take resolute measures in accordance with law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold the sanctity of the DOC.

As for the specifics you mentioned, competent authorities of China have released information on that.

(Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)