Ministry of Defense: China's Activities Including Scientific Research at Huangyan Island Are Legitimate Rights of a Sovereign State
On the afternoon of June 25, the Ministry of Defense held a regular press conference, where Defense Ministry spokesperson Colonel Zhang Xiaogang answered reporters' questions.
Reporter: According to reports, the Philippines has recently been continuously hyping up the activities of China's scientific research platform in the waters around Scarborough Shoal, speculating that China will carry out infrastructure construction, and claiming that the Philippine Navy's main frigate has confronted Chinese maritime and air forces in the waters near Scarborough Shoal. What is your comment on this?
Zhang Xiaogang: Scarborough Shoal is inherent Chinese territory, and any activities conducted by China in Scarborough Shoal, including scientific research, are the legitimate rights of a sovereign state. We demand that the Philippine side immediately stop its infringement provocations and inflammatory hype, otherwise it will only end up hurting itself. China will continue to take strong measures to resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
China asserts its sovereign rights to conduct activities, including scientific research, at Huangyan Island. During a press conference on June 25, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense condemned the Philippines for its provocative actions and stated that any activities conducted by China in the area are legitimate. China emphasized its commitment to defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
- China claims Huangyan Island as its inherent territory.
- China will continue to take strong measures to protect its territorial sovereignty.
- The Philippines is accused of provocative actions in the region.