China vows resolute response to malicious provocations on maritime issues: spokesperson

BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will resolutely respond to any malicious provocation and firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Friday.

Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked about an incident involving a Philippine Coast Guard vessel intruding the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Jiao, Nansha Qundao of China.

This undated photo shows a view of Ren'ai Jiao (Ren'ai Reef). (Photo: China Daily)

Mao said the measures taken by the China Coast Guard in accordance with laws and regulations were legitimate and justified.

Out of humanitarian considerations, China gave timely permission to the Philippine side to evacuate injured personnel by small boat and provided necessary facilitation, she said.

"Instead of acknowledging China's facilitation, individual Philippine officials have distorted facts and wrongfully accused China without showing the whole picture to the public," Mao said.

She said this once again reveals their intention of provoking China and staging publicity stunts, which is rather despicable.

"China will resolutely respond to any malicious provocation and firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," Mao said.