Three times within five weeks! Why does the Philippines frequently trespass on Ren'ai Reef?
On September 8, Philippine ships again trespassed into the waters adjacent to Ren'ai Reef in the the Nansha Islands, China, for the third time since August. The China Coast Guard responded on the same day that it will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters under Chinese jurisdiction in accordance with the law.
Chinese Coast Guard: Resolutely Oppose Philippine Illegal "Sitting on the Beach" Warship Transportation of Illegal Building Materials
On September 8, a spokesman of the China Maritime Police Bureau said that the Philippines had entered the waters adjacent to Ren'ai Reef in the the Nansha Islands without the permission of the Chinese government. The Chinese maritime police have issued strict warnings, followed up on the entire process, and effectively regulated Philippine ships in accordance with the law. China has indisputable sovereignty over the the Nansha Islands, including Ren'ai Reef, and the surrounding waters, and firmly opposes the Philippines' illegal "beach sitting" warship transportation of illegal building materials. The Chinese maritime police will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters under Chinese jurisdiction in accordance with the law.
The Philippines launched three "supply" missions to Ren'ai Reef within five weeks
![Three times within five weeks! Why does the Philippines frequently trespass on Ren'ai Reef?](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/cb5ca41fb51c7ebe9838857c44e28c34.png)
According to the Philippine GMA News Network, former US Air Force official Ray Powell, who has been tracking the Philippine "supply" mission, stated on the 8th that the Philippines launched its third "supply" mission within 5 weeks on the same day.
On August 5, despite China's repeated dissuasions and warnings, the Philippines sent two ships into the waters of Ren'ai Reef in the the Nansha Islands without authorization, in an attempt to transport construction materials for maintenance and reinforcement to illegal "beach sitting" warships. Chinese coast guard ships are lawfully obstructed. On August 22nd, Philippine ships illegally trespassed once again into the waters near Ren'ai Reef. The Chinese maritime police have issued strict warnings, followed up on the entire process, and effectively regulated Philippine ships in accordance with the law. They have made temporary special arrangements for the transportation of necessary daily necessities such as food to Philippine warships.
Chinese Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard ship 4409, and I am the Chinese Coast Guard ship 21556. China has indisputable sovereignty over the the Nansha Islands, including Ren'ai Reef, and the surrounding waters. In the spirit of humanism, we only allow the Philippines to enter ships transporting materials for illegal "beaching" warships. Official ships are not allowed to enter. To avoid miscalculation, we should immediately move away from the outside, or we will bear the consequences.
![Three times within five weeks! Why does the Philippines frequently trespass on Ren'ai Reef?](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/4bb2afdb8c0e13f3a3a091ee14a4102e.png)
Illegal "sitting on the beach" for 24 years! Why is Ren'ai Reef experiencing waves again?
Ren'ai Reef is part of China's the Nansha Islands. On May 9, 1999, the Philippine tank landing ship "Madre Mountain" ran aground on the reef of Ren'ai Reef, and began illegal "sitting on the beach" under the pretext of needing "repair" due to damage. It has been 24 years since then. It is reported that the ship was built by the United States during World War II. In 1976, the Philippines acquired this warship and renamed it "Mount Madre" for service in the Philippine Navy. By 1999, the Madre Mountain had become very old.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement stating that "the Philippines has repeatedly made clear commitments to tow warships illegally 'docked' on the reef. However, 24 years have passed, and the Philippines has not only failed to tow the warship, but also attempted to carry out large-scale repairs and reinforcement to achieve permanent occupation of Ren'ai Reef. The Philippines' actions seriously violate international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed between China and ASEAN countries. China once again urges the Philippines to immediately tow the 'docked' warships from Ren'ai Reef and restore its unmanned and facility free state."
Analysis: The United States is the biggest interfering factor in China Philippines relations
![Three times within five weeks! Why does the Philippines frequently trespass on Ren'ai Reef?](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/34bd35598559444e8b394bcabbf1acdb.png)
Experts say it is rare for the Philippines to provoke so frequently on the South China Sea issue. Given its weak maritime power, the possibility of the Philippines doing so is greater due to external factors, or the United States encouraging the Philippines to act as a "pawn" to challenge China for exploration.
Reuters previously reported that under the leadership of Marcos, the Philippines has turned to its traditional ally, the United States, and its relationship with China has become increasingly tense. In early February of this year, during the visit of US Secretary of Defense Austin to the Philippines, the US and the Philippines announced an agreement: the Philippines agreed to open four more military bases for use by the US military. This move increases the total number of military bases that the United States can use in the Philippines to 9.Another base is in Barabak Island, near China's the Nansha Islands.
Some analysts believe that the Philippines is becoming a bridgehead for the United States to contain China. However, such a move towards the United States does not meet its demands for national security. The signing of visiting force agreements and other actions further stir up the situation in the South China Sea. If a conflict breaks out, the Philippines, which allows the United States to enter bases for attacking China, will inevitably be dragged into the battlefield, which is not conducive to its security.
Expert: The United States instigates the Philippines to cause trouble around the South China Sea
![Three times within five weeks! Why does the Philippines frequently trespass on Ren'ai Reef?](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/1df9d81f819120ca0428ac1bafddb323.png)
Philippines and Australia upgrade to strategic partnership
On September 8th, the Philippines and Australia signed a strategic partnership agreement. According to Agence France Presse, these two countries have strengthened their security and economic alliance, "seeking to address China's increasing regional influence.".
Expert: Collaborate with the United States and Australia to use the Philippines as a test field for their own geopolitical layout