The Philippines on Saturday withdrew its coast guard ship MRRV-9701 that been illegally anchored at China's Xianbin Jiao for several months, a China Coast Guard spokesperson said on Sunday, while photos from the scene showed signs of a partially repaired hole on the side of the vessel.
According to China Coast Guard spokesperson spokesperson Liu Dejun, the Philippine coast guard ship had been unlawfully stationed at China's Xianbin Jiao for nearly five months since April 17, which seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and gravely undermined regional peace and stability.
The vessel even intentionally collided with a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship carrying normal law enforcement activities in the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao on Aug 31. Liu said the responsibility for this incident lies entirely with the Philippine side.
The damage on vessel 9701 was not properly repaired following that collision, with photos taken from a Chinese vessel showing a patched-up hole on the hull of the Philippines' ship when the vessel withdrew at around 14:00 on Saturday.
Liu said during its illegal stay in the lagoon, China implemented control measures on vessel 9701 in accordance with the law, which foiled the Philippines' multiple attempts to resupply the vessel.
"We would like to make it clear to the Philippines that it should stop the media hype and refrain from carrying out any risky infringement," said Liu.
Photo shows partially repaired hull as Philippines vessel withdraws after illegal stay in Xianbin Jiao
Photo shows partially repaired hull as Philippines vessel withdraws after illegal stay in Xianbin Jiao
Photo shows partially repaired hull as Philippines vessel withdraws after illegal stay in Xianbin Jiao
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
