China has expressed its willingness to manage differences through discussions while emphasizing that there is a limit to its tolerance. A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, made these remarks in light of the Philippines' recent actions, particularly the illegal anchoring of a vessel at the uninhabited Xianbin Reef in the South China Sea.

The ongoing situation escalated after the Philippine coast guard ship No. 9701 entered the lagoon at Xianbin Reef in April and has since been stationed there. Recently, Chinese authorities observed an attempted resupply mission by a Philippine H-145 helicopter near the reef, which was deemed illegal and closely monitored by the China Coast Guard. Concerns were raised about the potential risks connected to such maneuvers, with the spokesperson warning of possible incidents involving maritime or aerial activities.

Despite assertions that the Philippine No. 9701 ship could operate independently, Chinese officials accused the Philippines of endangering the crew's safety under the guise of a humanitarian mission. This prompted the Armed Forces of the Philippines to claim that Chinese maneuvers threatened their personnel and violated international norms.

Wu countered these allegations by affirming China's sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Xianbin Reef, describing the Philippine vessel's presence as a severe breach of international law and China's territorial integrity. He stressed that repeated intrusions by Philippine coast guard ships since mid-August have provoked necessary legal responses from China, which he described as professional and appropriate.

The spokesperson urged the Philippines to withdraw its ship and personnel to restore the reef's unoccupied status, warning of continued resolute measures from China to protect its territorial and maritime rights. Wu also addressed comments from US officials regarding a Mutual Defense Treaty, asserting that the US exacerbates the conflicts in the region and that such intimidation tactics would not deter China but rather bolster national resolve.