China has accused the Philippines of attempting a “long-term occupation” of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and defended the June 17 China Coast Guard (CCG) action as “professional” and “restrained.”

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian speaks during a press conference on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (Photo from the Foreign Ministry Affairs of China)
In his regular press conference on Wednesday, June 19, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that the “situation” earlier this week happened because of the “Philippines’ ignoring of China’s dissuasion and deliberate intrusion into the waters of Ren’ai Jiao which is part of China’s Nansha Qundao.”
“The law enforcement action taken by China Coast Guard on the scene was professional and restrained and aimed at stopping the illegal ‘resupply mission,’” he claimed.
The official also said that they “didn’t take direct measures against the Philippine personnel.”
“The Philippines keeps saying that they were sending living necessities, but secretly they’ve been trying to send construction materials and even weapons and ammunition to the grounded warship for the long-term occupation of Ren’ai Jiao,” Lin added, using the Chinese name for Ayungin Shoal.
On Monday, June 17, vessels of the Philippines and China reportedly had a minor collision near the shoal where the grounded BRP Sierra Madre was located.
The National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said China engaged in “dangerous maneuvers, including ramming and towing” while Philippine authorities were conducting routine rotation and resupply mission.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also released photos of CCG’s “coercive, aggressive, and barbaric actions” that resulted in damages to their vessel, including their communication and navigation equipment.
A Navy officer was also reportedly severely injured and lost his right thumb.
Foreign ambassadors have called on China to stop its aggressive actions in the disputed waters that might destabilize the peace and security in the region.
China, however, maintained its right to defend its rights and interests in the resource-rich waters it claims almost entirely.
“China urges the Philippines to stop its infringement and provocation at once. We will continue to defend our sovereignty and lawful rights and interests,” Lin said.
The Philippines and China have traded accusations over collisions and dangerous maneuvers near the Ayungin Shoal in the past months, with Beijing firing water cannons at Philippine sea vessels.