China says military exercises in South China Sea respond to Philippine provocations

BEIJING -- A Chinese defense spokesman said on Friday that Chinese military exercises and law enforcement training around Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters stand as a serious warning against violations and provocations by the Philippines.

Chen Xi, spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media query about Chinese military exercises and law enforcement training in the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Island as well as its surrounding areas, after the Philippines deposited its so-called official nautical chart of Huangyan Island and its surrounding maritime zones with the UN.

Stressing that Huangyan Island is China's inherent territory, Chen said that China has continuously, peacefully and effectively exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Island, and is the only country entitled by international law to declare the baselines of the territorial sea of Huangyan Island.

The move made by the Philippines seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty, international law and the basic norms of international relations, he said.

"Our exercises stand as a serious warning against violations and provocations by the Philippine side. These are necessary and legitimate measures to safeguard our sovereignty over Huangyan Island and our rights and interests," he said.

Chen urged the Philippines to immediately stop its illegitimate acts violating China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and stop its provocations and propaganda.

"The Chinese military will take firm and effective countermeasures against any provocative attempts to make waves and stir up troubles in the South China Sea," he said.