AFP: My question is about the South China Sea. Several incidents have happened recently between the vessels of China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Philippine President Marcos said yesterday that the Philippines “will never be intimidated or oppressed by anyone.” He also pledged to “continue to exercise our freedoms and rights in support of our national interest, in accordance with international law.” Do you think these comments target China? What is China’s response?

Mao Ning: The merits of the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines are very clear. We have spoken on what actually happened and what our position is many times. The Philippines—if it would truly act in accordance with international law—should first and foremost observe the treaties that define its territory, including the 1898 Treaty of Peace between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain, and abide by the DOC. Our message to the Philippines is very clear: stop infringing on China’s rights and making provocations, and stop misleading the world.

Bloomberg: Just one more question on the Philippines. The Philippines has said that the encounter on June 17 in the South China Sea was a “deliberate act” by China and its Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro called the incident “an aggressive and illegal use of force.” How does the Ministry respond to that?  

Mao Ning: China has stated what actually happened and made clear its position on the illegal intrusion by Philippine vessels into the adjacent waters of Ren’ai Jiao. Ren’ai Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. It is Chinese territory. The Philippines should stop making provocations and infringing on China’s sovereignty, return to the right track of properly settling maritime differences through negotiation and consultation as soon as possible, and work with China to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea.

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