MND：The Philippines Should Tow Away the LT-57 Unlawfully Grounded at Ren'ai Jiao as Soon as Possible

Question: According to media reports, after nearly 50 days of supplies shortage, the Philippine vessel, BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), which has been illegally "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao, received a new batch of daily supplies. The Philippine side repeatedly attempted to use such resupply missions as a cover to smuggle in reinforcement materials to permanently settle the vessel on the reef. What's your comment on that?

Zhang Xiaogang: Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao. Guided by our three-point principled position on handling the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, the Chinese side reached a provisional arrangement with the Philippines on the humanitarian resupply of living necessities. If the Philippine side attempts to deliver construction materials and build fixed facilities or a permanent outpost, the Chinese side will absolutely not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with laws and regulations. The Philippine side should tow away BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), which is unlawfully "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao, and stop all provocative acts. The Chinese side is firmly committed to safeguarding its own territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and steadfast in upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea.