China reaffirms Nansha sovereignty

The Foreign Ministry on Friday reiterated that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and adjacent waters after Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi on Thursday claimed sovereignty over these islets.

In response to a question on Badawi's claim, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said China is ready to resolve related disputes properly through consultation.

"We hope the countries involved will ... refrain from taking actions that might complicate or expand disputes," said Qin.