Philippine vessel withdraws from Xianbin Reef
The China Coast Guard on Sunday said a Philippine vessel withdrew from Xianbin Reef, also known as the Sabina Shoal, on September 14, after being there for nearly five months. According to China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun, China took measures against Philippine vessel 9701 in accordance with the law, while repeated Philippine attempts to organise replenishment of the vessel had failed. Liu said Manila's actions had "seriously infringed on China's territorial sovereignty...seriously undermining regional peace and stability." "We sternly warn the Philippines to stop inciting propaganda and risking infringements, and to meet China halfway to safeguard the seriousness and validity of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," Liu added. Beijing "will continue to carry out rights protection and law enforcement activities in waters under China's jurisdiction," Liu said. The Philippines maritime council said the vessel was returning to port after a five-month deployment as its mission was accomplished. "After more than five months at sea, where she carried out her sentinel duties against overwhelming odds, BRP Teresa Magbanua is now sailing back to her homeport with her mission accomplished," Lucas Bersamin, executive secretary and chairman of the National Maritime Council said in a statement. Bersamin said Teresa Magbauna's return was necessary due to the medical needs of its crew and to undergo repairs. Council spokesman Alexander Lopez said Manila would "continue to monitor and enforce our rights, exercise our rights, sovereign rights, sovereignty and jurisdiction over the area." The move followed high-level talks between Manila and Beijing last week where the Philippines reaffirmed its position on that body of water and China reiterated its demand that the vessel be withdrawn. The area lies 150 kilometres west of the Philippine province of Palawan.  On Saturday, a Chinese defence spokesperson said Beijing would take forceful and effective measures to resolutely counter any actions that stir up trouble in the South China Sea and infringe upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, made the remarks in response to a media query about recent comments from the Philippines and the United States regarding Philippine operations in that body of water. (Agencies/Xinhua)