China has told the Philippines to "face the consequences of its own actions" after it demanded from Beijing around P60 million in damages due to the recent confrontation in the West Philippine Sea.
Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, made the pronouncement on Thursday, July 4, before justifying Chinese aggression in the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Mao said China's actions against the Philippines are justifiable as it is only defending its supposed sovereignty over the waters.
"The Philippine vessels were carrying out an illegal resupply mission which violated China’s territorial waters and staging a provocation when stopped by China Coast Guard, who acted lawfully and rightfully to defend China’s sovereignty," Mao said.
June 17 witnessed one of the most aggressive actions committed by China against the Philippines when the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) rammed into the Philippine resupply boat. The CCG also boarded the boat and confiscated the Filipino troops' firearms that led to injuries, including a dismemberment of a Philippine navy personnel's finger.
Mao once again claimed that the Philippine troops conducting a resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin shoal intruded the Chinese waters—a claim that has long been invalidated by international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
"China Coast Guard responded with law enforcement measures that are fully legitimate, justified and lawful," Mao said.
"We urge the Philippines to stop the infringement activities and provocations, and return to the right track of properly handling differences through dialogue and consultation," she added.