BEIJING, August 14 -- "Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's Nansha Qundao and an inherent territory of China. Whatever the Philippine side says or does cannot change this fact," said Senior Colonel Chen Xi, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a press conference on Friday.

It is reported that the Philippines and Australia held the Defense Ministers' Meeting and issued a joint statement, expressing "serious concern" over recent actions taken by the China Coast Guard at Ren'ai Jiao. In the statement, they also urged all parties to operate "professionally and safely".

In response, the spokesperson stressed that China firmly opposes the unfounded accusations and smears made by the Philippines and Australia.

"Regarding the Philippine side's deliberate provocations and attacks on the Chinese personnel at Ren'ai Jiao, the China Coast Guard has issued a statement and released evidence. The Chinese side took necessary countermeasures, which were professional, restrained and beyond reproach," said the spokesperson.

Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasized that the Philippine side should remove the illegally grounded warship BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) as soon as possible.

"The Chinese side will continue to conduct rights-protection and law enforcement activities to thwart any violations or provocations and safeguard China’s national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We urge relevant countries to stop peddling false narratives, provoking confrontation and undermining regional peace and stability," the spokesperson noted.