On the morning of January 8, Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, issued a statement regarding recent military-related issues. Reporter: According to reports, the Chinese Navy recently rescued Filipino fishermen in the South China Sea, but a spokesperson for the Philippine Navy falsely claimed that China’s public disclosure of the incident deviated from the essence of the rescue and amounted to “political propaganda.” What is your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: Not long ago, while conducting routine patrols in waters under China’s jurisdiction, Chinese Navy vessels rescued Filipino fishermen who were in distress and stranded. Afterward, many Filipino citizens expressed their gratitude and praised China’s noble act. Some in the Philippines are only interested in using their own fishermen as tools for maritime infringement, provocation, and propaganda hype, pushing them into danger without any regard for their livelihoods or safety, while also slandering and accusing China. This is utterly hypocritical and cold-blooded. Facts speak louder than words, and justice lies in the hearts of the people. China has always firmly safeguarded its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and is committed to working with countries in the region to turn the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation. (Xinhua News Agency)