If the Philippines truly wants to ease tensions at Ren'ai Jiao through dialogue and communication, it needs 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, said foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on April 11.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently said he was horrified to learn of the gentleman's agreement between the Duterte administration and China on Ren'ai Jiao and would ask for clarification regarding the agreement. The Global Times asked about foreign ministry's comment.

Mao Ning said China is committed to managing the situation at Ren'ai Jiao with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation. The reasons behind the current situation at Ren'ai Jiao are very clear. First, the Philippines went back on its words and refuses to tow away the warship illegally grounded at Ren'ai Jiao.

Second, the Philippines denies the existence of the gentleman's agreement reached with China under the Duterte administration and has repeatedly infringed on China's sovereignty in those waters and made provocations.

Third, the Philippines has abandoned the current administration's understanding with China on the Ren'ai Jiao issue, sent construction materials to the grounded warship for large-scale repair and reinforcement in an attempt to permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao.

(Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China)