Liu Dejun, spokesperson for the China Coast Guard, stated on the 15th that the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 9701, which had been illegally stationed in the lagoon of the Xianbin Jiao in China’s Nansha Qundao, withdrew at around 2:00 p.m. on September 14.

Ding Duo, Deputy Director of Research Centre for Oceans Law and Policy at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, commented in an exclusive interview with the Voice of the South China Sea that the withdrawal of the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 9701 reflects China’s effective approach in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea, which operates on three levels: on-site control, diplomatic communication, and shaping public perception.

It also reaffirms the seriousness and effectiveness of upholding the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and advancing the consultations on “the Code of Conduct (COC),” which is the key to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Since April 17, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel 9701 had been illegally stationed at Xianbin Jiao for nearly five months, using the fictitious excuse of China’s land reclamation on the reef. During this period, China took lawful control measures against the vessel, thwarting several Philippine attempts to supply it, both by sea and air.

Ding Duo stated that China Coast Guard had taken effective control measures against the illegally detained Philippine Coast Guard vessel 9701, therefore it had to withdraw from Xianbin Jiao in the end without any chance to provide supplies by sea or air

Even during the period when 9701 vessel illegally stayed at the Xianbin Reef, China never closed the door to dialogue with the Philippines. Instead, China showed patience and maintained intensive communication at the diplomatic level.

On September 11, China and the Philippines held the meeting between heads of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea, where China reiterated its principled stance on the Xianbin Jiao issue and urged the Philippines to immediately withdraw the vessel.

On September 13, China and ASEAN countries held the 22nd Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC in Xi’an, where all parties agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, calling for enhanced dialogue, restraint, proper management of disputes, and the strengthening of mutual trust.

In both meetings, the full and effective implementation of the DOC and the defense of its seriousness and effectiveness were key topics.

Ding Duo stated, “The Philippines’ continued actions to undermine stability in the South China Sea have not received any support from regional countries. It’s clear that the Philippines has faced some degree of pressure within ASEAN.” This shows that for regional countries, advancing the implementation of the DOC and consultations on the COC remains the main policy. China’s diplomatic efforts have also played a positive role in easing tensions in the South China Sea.

Since the beginning of this year, the Philippines has repeatedly stirred up international public opinion on environmental issues, making false accusations against China. China has promptly corrected the misinformation released by the Philippines.

During the illegal stay of the Philippine coast guard ship at Xianbin Jiao, China issued A Survey Report on the Coral Reef Ecosystem of Xianbin Jiao and the documentary If Xianbin Jiao Could Talk. Using scientific data and real footage of Xianbin Jiao, these materials effectively refuted the fabricated claims by the Philippines accusing China of damaging coral reefs at Xianbin Jiao.

Ding Duo stated that alongside diplomatic efforts, effective public communication has also played a restraining role against the Philippines, contributing to a reduction in its provocative maritime actions.

According to Ding，Beijing still needs to keep an eye on Manila’s next step after the withdrawal of the Philippine coast guard ship. “The current Philippine government has shown inconsistency and policy swings, so we must remain strategically composed in defending our rights and maintaining stability in the South China Sea. This strategic resolve is backed by our strength in defending our rights and maintaining stability.”

On the afternoon of September 14, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, reiterated during a press conference that China will take resolute and effective measures to counter any attempt to stir up trouble or violate China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea.