MFA spokesperson Hua Chunying at the regular press conference on September 5th. (Photo: fmprc.gov.cn)

The Philippines towed a stranded navy ship on Tuesday, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

Media reported that the Philippine navy vessel which ran aground near Banyue Jiao in the South China Sea was towed away by the Philippine side on September 4.

“China is highly concerned about the Philippine’s ‘Gregorio del Pilar class frigate’ navy vessel running aground near Banyue Jiao, Nansha Islands and will keep close communication with Philippine side regarding this matter,” said Hua Chunying, spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Preliminary investigation by the Chinese side showed that the stranded ship caused no environmental damage," Hua said.

“The Philippine side informed the Chinese side about the situation and discussed rescue arrangements after the Philippine navy vessel ran aground. The two sides also discussed the possibility of the Chinese providing search and rescue assistance. China Coast Guard vessels near the scene was courteous and the Philippine side expressed its gratitude to the Chinese side for its goodwill,” Hua said at a regular press conference.