China News Service, Beijing, April 6 (Li Jingze) In response to Philippine officials’ recent remarks concerning China’s Nansha Islands Oxyoke Reef, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian pointed out at a regular press conference on the 6th that he hopes that the Philippines will treat it objectively and correctly. Stop unprovoked speculation and avoid negative effects on the relations between the two countries and the overall peace and stability of the South China Sea.
A reporter asked a question. A few days ago, Philippine Defense Minister Lorenzana said that Chinese "maritime militia fishing boats" were still gathering on Oxyoke Reef and urged Chinese ships to leave as soon as possible.
The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a protest statement again, saying that according to the South China Sea Arbitration, the Philippine side denied that the reef and its adjacent waters were traditional fishing grounds for Chinese fishermen.
The continuous deployment, existence and activities of Chinese ships in the South China Sea violate the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Philippines.
What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian said that he has already given a detailed introduction on the situation of Chinese fishing boats working to avoid wind on Oxyoke Reef.
Oxyoke Reef is a part of China's Nansha Islands. The reef and its adjacent waters have always been important operating areas and shelters for Chinese fishing boats. Chinese fishing boats operate there and shelter from wind is reasonable and legal.
Zhao Lijian emphasized that the award made by the South China Sea Arbitration Tribunal is illegal and invalid. China does not accept or recognize the award and firmly opposes any claims and actions based on the award.
China's sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea have been formed in the course of a long history and conform to international law.
The Philippine side attempted to use an illegal and invalid ruling to deny China’s sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, and to deny the history and rights of Chinese fishermen’s millennial production operations in Nansha’s traditional fishing grounds, which violated the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The internal international law is unacceptable.
"I hope that the Philippines will take an objective and correct view, immediately stop unprovoked speculation, and avoid negative impacts on the relations between the two countries and the overall peace and stability of the South China Sea." Zhao Lijian said.
(Finish)