On April 9, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian presided over a regular press conference.
A reporter asked questions. The US Secretary of State and the Philippine Foreign Minister spoke on the phone, expressing concern about the activities of the "Chinese militia ship" in the South China Sea.
What is China's comment?
Zhao Lijian said that recently we have stated China's position on relevant issues many times.
Oxyoke Reef is a part of China's Nansha Islands. Chinese fishing boats operate and shelter from wind in the waters of Oxyoke Reef, which is reasonable and lawful and beyond reproach.
Zhao Lijian pointed out that the U.S. ignored the facts, insisted on calling the Chinese fishing boats "maritime militia boats", and repeatedly invoked illegal and invalid South China Sea arbitration awards in an attempt to deny China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea. This is completely out of ulterior motives and cannot succeed. .
The current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, and China maintains close communication with the Philippines on relevant issues.
We have noticed that Philippine President Duterte recently stated that the Philippines will continue to resolve relevant issues peacefully through diplomatic channels.
China urges the U.S. to respect the efforts of countries in the region to properly handle differences and maintain stability in the South China Sea, and stop making mischief and sowing discord.
(Produced by Lu Huiqian)
Editor in charge: [Liu Xian]