China pledges more resolute countermeasures against provocations from Philippines

China's Ministry of National Defense on Thursday pledged more resolute countermeasures against rights-violating acts, provocations, and propaganda from the Philippines.

Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, the ministry spokesman, made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to recent groundless statements by the Philippine Coast Guard.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. The so-called South China Sea Arbitral Award is entirely illegal, null and void. China does not accept or recognize it, and will never accept any claim or action based on the award. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea are fully backed by historical and jurisprudential evidence, and are under no circumstances affected by the award. Driven by self-interest, some forces of the Philippine side have gone to great lengths to stir up troubles at sea and fabricate false narratives. Their behaviors have disrupted bilateral relations and undermined regional peace and stability. The Chinese side is unwavering in our will to defend territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Should the Philippine side obstinately continue with its rights-violating acts, provocations and propaganda, it will only face more resolute countermeasures from the Chinese side," Jiang said.

China pledges more resolute countermeasures against provocations from Philippines

German chemicals giant BASF on Thursday put its massive production complex in south China's Guangdong Province into full operation, marking the largest single investment project wholly owned by a German enterprise in China.

With an investment of 8.7 billion euros (about 10 billion U.S. dollars), the integrated site covers about 4 square kilometers in Zhanjiang City of Guangdong, the company said, a move that industry analysts say underscores BASF's long-term commitment to expanding in China as the country continues to promote high-standard opening up.

The complex, known as a Verbund site, has successfully started up 32 production lines and is producing more than 70 products, including basic chemicals, intermediates and specialty chemicals for the transportation, consumer goods, electronics, home and personal care industries.

BASF puts multibillion-euro chemical complex in China into full operation