China on Tuesday slammed attempts by the Philippines to harm its sovereignty, rights and interests, vowing that the country will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.
Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a regular news briefing following reports that the Philippines released a new maritime chart covering China's Nansha Qundao.
It was reported that the Philippine National Maritime Council released on September 25 the updated maritime chart, which has included Zhongye Dao, the Mahuan Dao and other reefs and islands within the scope of China's Nansha Qundao.
"Zhongye Dao and Mahuan Dao are part of China's Nansha Qundao and Chinese territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters. The scope of Philippine territory is defined by several international treaties. China's Nanhai Zhudao, including Nansha Qundao, lie beyond that scope," Guo said.
"The Philippines' illegal occupation of several islands and reefs in Nansha Qundao, designation of so-called 'Kalayaan Island Group' beyond its own territory, and so-called 'maritime chart,' which includes relevant islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, seriously violate China's territorial sovereignty and the UN Charter and relevant international laws. Those actions are illegal, null and void," he said.
"China firmly opposes any action of the Philippines that harms China's sovereignty and rights and interests. China will continue taking necessary measures to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea," said the spokesman.
China rejects Philippines' new maritime chart: spokesman
China rejects Philippines' new maritime chart: spokesman
