China summons Philippine envoy over Second Thomas Shoal incident
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China's Foreign Ministry summoned the Philippine ambassador on July 21 over what it called deliberate provocations and an attack on Chinese coast guard personnel near Second Thomas Shoal (Ren'ai Jiao). Beijing accused Manila of illegally grounding a warship and attempting to ram Chinese vessels with inflatable boats.
The Incident
According to China's state-run CGCN, a Philippine military vessel grounded at Second Thomas Shoal launched two inflatable boats that dangerously approached and attempted to ram Chinese Coast Guard craft. The Chinese statement said Philippine personnel deliberately attacked Chinese officers, posing a threat to their safety. Beijing described the actions as flagrant and a deliberate provocation.
China's Response
Chinese Foreign Ministry official summoned Philippine ambassador to lodge a strong protest, demanding an immediate halt to provocative actions and destructive propaganda. The statement reiterated that Ren'ai Jiao is part of the Nansha archipelago and Chinese territory, and that China's law enforcement actions are lawful and justified. China vowed to take all necessary measures to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
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