On the afternoon of August 7th, Colonel Chen Xi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, announced information regarding recent military-related issues.
Reporter: According to reports, after the Philippines submitted the so-called “official sea chart of Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters” to the United Nations, the Southern War Zone of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army organized joint maritime and air exercises in the territorial waters, airspace of Huangyan Island and its surrounding seas and skies. Chinese coast guards also organized rights protection, law enforcement, and control drills near Huangyan Island. A spokesman for the Philippine National Maritime Council stated that any exercises carried out by China in this region are considered “illegal” by the Philippines. 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. It is the only country that has the right to declare the territorial sea baseline of Huangyan Island in accordance with international law. The actions taken by the Philippines constitute a serious violation of China’s territorial sovereignty and fundamental norms of international law and international relations. Such actions are illegal and invalid. China organized training exercises as a stern warning against the Philippines’ invasive and provocative actions. It is a necessary measure to defend Huangyan Island’s sovereignty and rights, and such actions are completely legitimate and legal.
It should be noted that since its independence in 1946, the Philippines has repeatedly expanded its territorial and maritime jurisdiction under the guise of international law through domestic legislation. This has drawn widespread vigilance, aversion, and firm opposition from countries surrounding the South China Sea. We urge the Philippine side to immediately cease its illegal actions that violate China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as stop any maritime provocations and inflammatory rhetoric. The Chinese military will resolutely and effectively counter any attempts to provoke conflicts in the sea.
