At a routine Foreign Ministry briefing, spokesman Lin Jian reiterated China’s
three-principle position after a July 2024 temporary arrangement with the
Philippines on humanitarian deliveries to Renai Reef. First, Beijing said the
Philippines’ long‑grounded naval vessel at Renai Reef infringes Chinese
sovereignty and violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South
China Sea (DOC); China demands Manila remove the vessel and restore the reef to
an unoccupied, facility‑free state. Second, until the vessel is removed, China
will on humanitarian grounds allow Philippine deliveries to personnel aboard the
ship only after prior notification and on-site verification, with the entire
process subject to Chinese monitoring. Third, China said it will oppose and
block any Philippine attempt to build fixed facilities or permanent posts on the
reef, acting in accordance with law and regulations. Lin also accused Manila of
recent deliberate provocations and a violent attack on Chinese law‑enforcement
officers, urging the Philippines to stop maritime provocations and misleading
public reporting immediately.
