Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin Photo: Ministry of National Defense

Question: Since January 23, China Coast Guard (CCG) forces had been involved in searching and rescuing overboard crew members from a capsized foreign cargo ship near China's Huangyan Dao. While expressing gratitude for China's rescue of Filipino crew members, the spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that the Chinese side should respect the so-called exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. He also made unfounded accusations, alleging that the Chinese side intimidated, harassed or obstructed vessels. Do you have any comment on this?

Jiang Bin: On January 22, a Singapore-flagged cargo ship capsized in the waters near China's Huangyan Dao. The CCG's Dongsha ship and Sanmen ship, together with PLANS Dali, promptly headed to the maritime area for humanitarian search and rescue. They rescued 17 Filipino crew members from the water and provided them with food, medical checks and shelter. The crew members were handed over to the Philippine side on January 25, which expressed its gratitude. However, certain PCG spokesperson blatantly used this humanitarian act as a tool for malicious propaganda, which is utterly mean and shameful.

Life is priceless and compassion knows no borders. The PLA Navy and CCG are not only defenders of national sovereignty, but also guarantors of peace. We will continue to fulfill our duty of safeguarding China's maritime territory, make concrete efforts to uphold a maritime community with a shared future, and contribute more to building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.