China urges Philippines to control operations of maritime, air troops

A Chinese military spokesperson on Friday urged the Philippine side to strictly control operations of its maritime and air troops, immediately cease all provocative and risky acts, and stop its smear campaigns and propaganda.

On March 25, PLANS 532 was conducting a routine patrol in the waters under China's jurisdiction near Zhubi Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao, according to Zhai Shichen, a spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command.

Upon detecting a Philippine Navy ship, PLANS 532 initiated radio communications to issue reminders to the Philippine ship, said Zhai.

Ignoring repeated radio reminders from the Chinese side, the Philippine ship 507, navigating on the port side of PLANS 532, adjusted its course to starboard before making a deliberate turn towards the same direction, dangerously approaching PLANS 532 and disrupting its navigation. PLANS 532 then took professional and standardized moves, successfully avoiding an accident, according to Zhai.

The spokesperson said that the operation of the Philippine Navy ship was unsafe and unprofessional, which could have easily led to a maritime accident. "Worse still, the Philippine side made a false accusation, claiming that the Chinese ship made a 'dangerous approach'," Zhai said.

"We sternly urge the Philippine side to strictly control operations of its maritime and air troops, immediately cease all provocative and risky acts, as well as its smear campaigns and propaganda," Zhai said.

The troops of the Southern Theater Command remain on high alert at all times and will resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty, security, and peace and stability in the South China Sea, added the spokesperson.