Ministry of Defense: The Philippines' infringement and provocation will only be met with a more resolute response.
On the afternoon of March 26, the Ministry of Defense held a regular press conference, where Colonel Jiang Bin, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Defense News Bureau and spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, answered questions from reporters.
Reporter: According to reports, a Philippine Coast Guard official stated that based on international law and the 2016 "South China Sea Arbitration Award," the relevant waters in the South China Sea are part of the Philippines' "territory," and any claims of "disputes" are a challenge to Philippine sovereignty. What is your comment on this?
Jiang Bin: China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and their adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant waters. The so-called "South China Sea Arbitration Award" is entirely an illegal and invalid piece of paper; China does not accept or recognize the so-called "award" and does not accept any claims or actions based on that "award." China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are fully supported by historical and legal evidence and are not affected by that "award" under any circumstances.
Some forces in the Philippines, for their own selfish interests, have gone to great lengths to create incidents at sea, fabricate false narratives, interfere with the overall relationship between the two countries, and undermine regional peace and stability. China’s determination to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is unwavering. If the Philippine side insists on infringing upon rights and provoking, and incites and sensationalizes, it will only face a more resolute response from China.
China asserts its sovereignty over the South China Sea during a press conference on March 26, rejecting the Philippines' claims based on the 2016 arbitration ruling. The Chinese Ministry of National Defense warns that any provocations from the Philippines will be met with a resolute response, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining territorial integrity and maritime rights.
- China claims undisputed sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and adjacent waters.
- China rejects the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling as illegal and invalid.
- China warns the Philippines against provocations and interference in bilateral relations.
- China emphasizes its determination to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.