China denies coast guard disrupted medical evacuation

The Foreign Ministry rejected on Friday Manila's claim that the China Coast Guard disrupted a medical evacuation mission at Ren'ai Reef, saying that Beijing will resolutely respond to any malicious provocations.

According to Mao Ning, the ministry's spokeswoman, a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, without China's permission, intruded into the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Reef on Thursday morning, and the CCG took legitimate and reasonable measures to handle the situation in accordance with laws and regulations.

After communication, China immediately allowed the Philippine side to evacuate the injured personnel from the stranded Philippine vessel at Ren'ai Reef by small boat and provided necessary facilitation out of humanitarian considerations, the spokeswoman noted.

Instead of appreciating China, some individuals of the Philippine side have distorted facts and wrongfully accused China without showing the whole picture, she said.

"This once again reveals their real intention of stirring up troubles and grabbing attention, which is rather despicable," she said.

China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Mao stressed.