Thread by @CollinSLKoh

Laughable statement from the PRC embassy in Manila. I shall try to poke holes at some of those comic points raised. Thread follows. https://t.co/TBknYc3hh7ph.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/sgdt/20230…

"The historical context of the issue of Ren’ai Jiao is very clear, and China’s position on it is consistent and firm."

When PRC becomes a signatory of UNCLOS, legal supersedes historical imperatives. But this point was already raised many times, the arbitral award is clear. 1/n

"Important common understandings exist between China and the Philippines on managing maritime disputes, effectively preserving peace and stability at relevant waters."

By resorting to coercion, I don't think "common understandings" exist. Perhaps only PRC believes so. 2/n

"Adopting a humanitarian approach, China has made temporary special arrangements... to the “grounded” military vessel."

Beijing spins its disruption of Manila's exercise of its EEZ sovereign rights as "humanitarian approach". 3/n

"The Philippines’ action violates international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)."

Beijing can look at the mirror perhaps? 4/n

"China made it clear to the Philippines that it shall not send construction materials meant for overhauling and reinforcing the“grounded”military vessel on a large scale."

On "large scale", do you seriously think the vessel in question has the size and capacity to do that? 5/n

"Regrettably, in disregard of China’s repeated dissuasion and warning, the Philippines tried to deliver the construction materials... This is the cause of what happened there this time."

Regrettably, PRC has repeatedly disregarded PH exercise of its EEZ sovereign rights. 6/n

"China Coast Guard took warning law enforcement measures in accordance with the law."

Which law? PRC national law on its maritime zones and the 2021 Coast Guard Law - which are already in several ways contrary to international law, incl. UNCLOS. 7/n

"China and the Philippines are separated by a strip of water."

Just to remind you that from Sanya, Hainan Island, this "strip of water" is a whooping over 540nm to the Philippine coast. PRC is only entitled to 200nm EEZ limit, maximum up to 350nm for CS. 8/n

"Since this year, China has provided the Philippine side with multiple maritime initiatives... stands ready to continue to properly handle maritime issues with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation."

Beijing didn't even pick up the hotline, what do you think? 9/n

"Under such circumstances, the Chinese side was made to respond with necessary moves."

I wonder whether laser pointing, for example, is considered 1 of those "necessary moves"? 10/n

The PRC embassy in Manila chose to cast doubt on the sovereignty and statehood of its host country by implying that the Philippines is essentially a puppet of the U.S. - a non-sovereign country with no autonomy or agency to manage its own affairs, incl. maritime interests. 11/11