On the afternoon of August 14, Ministry of National Defense press spokesman Colonel Chen Xi released news on recent military issues. Reporter: According to reports, the Philippines and Australia recently held a defense minister meeting and issued a joint statement, expressing “serious concern” over the recent actions taken by the Chinese Maritime Police at Renai Reef and urging all parties to carry out “professional and safe” operations. Any comments, please? Chen Xi: We are resolutely opposed to baseless accusations and attacks by the Philippines and Australia against China. Regarding the Philippine side's deliberate provocation and attack on Chinese personnel at Renai Reef, the Chinese maritime police have released news and released evidence from the scene. The Chinese side has taken necessary countermeasures, is professional restraint, and is irreproachable. It should be emphasized that Renai Reef is part of China's Spratly Islands and is an inherent part of China's territory, and the Philippines cannot change this fact no matter what it says or does. What the Philippines should do is to take the No. 57 ship, which is illegally “seated”, as soon as possible. China will continue to carry out law enforcement actions to protect its rights, resolutely thwart all violations and provocations, and safeguard the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We urge the countries concerned to stop hyping up and inciting confrontation, and stop harming regional peace and stability.

On the afternoon of August 14, Ministry of National Defense press spokesman Colonel Chen Xi released news on recent military issues. Reporter: According to reports, the Philippines and Australia recently held a defense minister meeting and issued a joint statement, expressing “serious concern” over the recent actions taken by the Chinese Maritime Police at Renai Reef and urging all parties to carry out “professional and safe” operations. Any comments, please? Chen Xi: We are resolutely opposed to baseless accusations and attacks by the Philippines and Australia against China. Regarding the Philippine side's deliberate provocation and attack on Chinese personnel at Renai Reef, the Chinese maritime police have released news and released evidence from the scene. The Chinese side has taken necessary countermeasures, is professional restraint, and is irreproachable. It should be emphasized that Renai Reef is part of China's Spratly Islands and is an inherent part of China's territory, and the Philippines cannot change this fact no matter what it says or does. What the Philippines should do is to take the No. 57 ship, which is illegally “seated”, as soon as possible. China will continue to carry out law enforcement actions to protect its rights, resolutely thwart all violations and provocations, and safeguard the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We urge the countries concerned to stop hyping up and inciting confrontation, and stop harming regional peace and stability.