China tells Philippines to remove grounded warship from Ren'ai Jiao

China's Ministry of National Defense has called on the Philippines to tow away the naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), which Beijing says is unlawfully "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao in the South China Sea.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday, ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said the Philippines should withdraw the ship and end all provocative actions in the area. The remarks came in response to a query about a fresh shipment of supplies delivered to the vessel.

Zhang reiterated that Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao and that Beijing has reached a provisional arrangement with Manila for the humanitarian resupply of living necessities, based on a three-point principled position.

He warned that if the Philippine side attempts to deliver construction materials or build fixed facilities and a permanent outpost, China will firmly reject and stop such moves in accordance with laws and regulations.

Beijing accuses Manila of using resupply missions to smuggle in reinforcement materials in an effort to permanently anchor the vessel on the reef. China has vowed to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests while maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.