China urges Philippines to halt its illegal acts and provocations

A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman urged the Philippines on Friday to immediately stop its illegal acts that violate China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as its provocations and hype surrounding Huangyan Island.

Chen Xi, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at an online news briefing, saying that Chinese exercises around Huangyan Island serve as a serious warning against violations and provocations by the Philippines.

He stated that China has continuously, peacefully and effectively exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Island, which he said is China's inherent territory.

Chen stressed that China is the only country entitled under international law to declare the baselines of the territorial sea of Huangyan Island.

After the Philippines submitted to the UN Secretariat the so-called official nautical chart of Huangyan Island and its surrounding maritime zones on July 29, the People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted joint exercises in the territorial waters and airspace of Huangyan Island and surrounding areas on Aug 1. The China Coast Guard also conducted law-enforcement training in relevant waters.

In response, a spokesperson for the Philippine National Maritime Council claimed that any drills conducted by the Chinese side in the area were "illegal".

Chen said the Philippines has expanded its territorial and maritime jurisdictional claims through domestic legislation while claiming to uphold international law since its independence in 1946.

"Such actions have aroused widespread concern and dissatisfaction, as well as firm opposition from other littoral countries in the South China Sea," he said.

Urging the Philippines to stop its violations and provocations, Chen said the Chinese military will take firm and effective countermeasures against any provocative acts aimed at creating disturbances and stirring up trouble in the South China Sea.