Beijing Accuses Philippines of Violating Sovereignty in South China Sea

Beijing, Oct 6 (KUNA) -- China accused its neighbor, the Philippines, on Tuesday of engaging in practices that infringe upon its sovereignty in the South China Sea, reiterating its strong opposition to such actions, which it said harm China’s rights and interests. This came in a statement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, responding to Philippine claims that the Chinese military and coast guard had harassed Philippine government aircraft and vessels last Sunday. Xinhua News Agency quoted Guo as saying that Philippine aircraft and ships had, without authorization, intruded into Chinese airspace and waters under Chinese jurisdiction in recent days, obstructing normal Chinese law enforcement operations. He described this as a serious violation of China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, and a deliberate undermining of peace and stability in the South China Sea. Guo affirmed that the measures taken by the Chinese side were in accordance with the law and were legitimate and rational. He clarified that China has sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and the surrounding waters, including the Huangyan Islands, which the Philippines calls Scarborough Shoal, as well as the Zhongye and Tixian Jiao reefs, and that China enjoys sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the relevant maritime area. He pointed out that the extent of Philippine territory has been defined through a series of international treaties, and that the Huangyan Islands and the Nansha Islands are not included within that scope. The spokesperson called on Manila to immediately cease its provocations and violations, and affirmed Beijing’s resolve to continue taking necessary measures to defend its territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea. (End) S.L.Q. / R.J.