China has lodged a strong protest against the Philippines' deliberate provocations on Ren'ai Reef.

In response to the Philippines' deliberate provocation and attack on Chinese coast guard personnel at Ren'ai Reef, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a regular press conference on July 21 that China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the Philippines' actions and has lodged a solemn representation with the Philippine ambassador to China.

Lin Jian said that on July 20, when the Chinese coast guard was conducting normal rights protection and law enforcement activities in the waters near Ren'ai Reef, the Philippine warship illegally grounded itself and deliberately sent two small boats to dangerously approach and ram Chinese vessels, and violently attacked Chinese law enforcement personnel. China had no choice but to resolutely respond in accordance with the law. Afterwards, the Philippines turned the tables, distorted the facts, and sensationalized the incident. "China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the Philippines' actions. This morning, China lodged a solemn representation with the Philippine ambassador to China."

Lin Jian emphasized that Ren'ai Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands and is Chinese territory. As is well known, on May 9, 1999, a Philippine warship illegally grounded itself on Ren'ai Reef in China's Nansha Islands, citing the grounding as the reason. China has repeatedly demanded that the Philippines tow away the vessel, and the Philippines has made numerous promises in return. However, 27 years have passed, and the Philippines has consistently failed to fulfill its commitments.

"China's determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights is unwavering," said Lin Jian. "We urge the Philippines to earnestly fulfill its commitments, immediately cease its provocative actions and unfounded hype at sea, and effectively restrain its frontline personnel; otherwise, the Philippines will bear all the consequences."