Ministry of Defense: The Chinese Army Will Firmly Counter Any Provocation Attempts at Sea

On the afternoon of August 7, Colonel Chen Xi, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, released information regarding recent military-related issues.

Reporter: According to reports, after the Philippines submitted the so-called "official nautical chart of Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters" to the United Nations, the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army organized joint maritime and air exercises in the territorial waters and airspace around Huangyan Island, and the China Coast Guard also conducted law enforcement drills in the waters near Huangyan Island. A spokesperson for the Philippine National Maritime Commission stated that any exercises conducted by China in this area are regarded by the Philippines as "illegal actions." What is your comment on this?

Chen Xi: Huangyan Island is an inherent territory of China. China continuously, peacefully, and effectively exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Island and is the only country with the right to declare the baseline of Huangyan Island's territorial waters according to international law. The actions of the Philippine side seriously infringe upon China's territorial sovereignty, violate international law and the basic principles of international relations, and are illegal and invalid. The organization of exercises and drills by China serves as a stern warning against the Philippine side's infringement and provocation and is a necessary measure to defend the sovereignty and rights of Huangyan Island, which is completely legitimate and lawful.

It should be pointed out that since gaining independence in 1946, the Philippines has repeatedly used the banner of international law to expand its territorial claims and jurisdictional waters through domestic legislation, which has aroused widespread vigilance, resentment, and strong opposition from neighboring countries in the South China Sea. We urge the Philippine side to immediately cease its illegal actions that infringe upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, stop maritime provocations and incitement, and refrain from sensationalism. The Chinese military will resolutely and forcefully counter any attempts to provoke disturbances at sea.