Ministry of Defense: Some individuals in the Philippines staging political performances cannot change the historical and legal facts that the relevant islands and reefs belong to China.
On the afternoon of July 17, Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, released a statement regarding recent military-related issues.
Reporter: According to reports, the Philippine Defense Minister recently visited Thitu Island to participate in activities commemorating the tenth anniversary of the "South China Sea Arbitration Award." What is your comment on this?
Jiang Bin: China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including Thitu Island, and the surrounding waters. The Philippine Defense Minister has been sanctioned by China and attempts to showcase a so-called "hardline stance against China" through political theatrics and incitement of national sentiment for personal political gain, ultimately harming the fundamental interests of the Philippine nation and its people. The "South China Sea Arbitration Case" has been a political farce dressed in legal garb from beginning to end, and the so-called "award" has no legal effect whatsoever. China does not accept or recognize it, nor does it accept any claims or actions based on that "award." No matter how some individuals in the Philippines perform, it cannot change the historical and legal facts that the relevant islands and reefs belong to China, nor can it shake the firm determination of the Chinese military to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
On July 17, a Chinese defense spokesperson asserted China's indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, including Zhongye Island, in response to the Philippines' defense minister's participation in a political event. The spokesperson criticized the Philippines for attempting to gain political advantage through what they termed political theatrics, emphasizing that China does not recognize the South China Sea arbitration ruling and remains committed to defending its territorial claims.
- China claims indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands including Zhongye Island.
- The Philippines' defense minister is criticized for participating in a political event.
- China does not recognize the South China Sea arbitration ruling as having legal effect.
- The Chinese military is determined to maintain national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
- The statement reflects ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines regarding territorial claims.