Ministry of Defense: Firmly Safeguard National Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights
On the afternoon of May 18, Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, released a statement regarding recent military-related issues.
Reporter: According to reports, satellite images show that the Philippines is intensifying infrastructure upgrades on the illegally occupied Spratly Islands, with plans to expand the harbor on Thitu Island and extend the runway on Zhongye Island. What is your comment on this?
Jiang Bin: China has indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and their surrounding waters. We firmly oppose the Philippine side's construction activities on all illegally occupied Chinese reefs, including Zhongye Island and Thitu Island, and will take necessary measures to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
On May 18, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense stated its opposition to Philippine construction activities on illegally occupied islands in the Spratly Islands. China claims undeniable sovereignty over these territories and will take necessary measures to protect its territorial integrity and maritime rights.
- China asserts undeniable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and surrounding waters.
- China opposes Philippine construction on illegally occupied islands.
- Necessary measures will be taken to protect territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.