At about 14:00 on September 14, the Philippine Coast Guard ship MRRV-9701 withdrew from China’s Xianbin Jiao Lagoon.
Chen Xidi from the China Institute For Marine Affairs (CIMA) of China's Ministry of Natural Resources, said this should be the beginning of the Philippines' return to the right path.
China’s determination to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights will not waver, and its commitment to resolving South China Sea disputes peacefully under international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea remains unchanged.