Manila move a violation of sovereignty
China expressed opposition on Tuesday to a Philippine maritime bill that aims at legalizing its claims and actions in the South China Sea, urging Manila to stop unilateral moves that would expand disputes and complicate the situation at sea.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a daily news conference that China has made serious demarches to the Philippines over the passing of the so-called Maritime Zones Act by the Philippine Senate, which she said attempts to enhance the illegal South China Sea Arbitration Award through domestic legislation and incorporate China's Huangyan Island and most of the islands and reefs in the Nansha Islands.
The move violated China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, she said.
Mao said the territory of the Philippines is defined by a series of international treaties, which never include Huangyan Island or any islands and reefs in the Nansha Islands.
She blasted the Philippines for illegally occupying islands and reefs in Nansha and going beyond its territorial limits to set the so-called Kalayaan Island Group, saying the moves are illegal and void.
Noting that territorial sovereignty is the premise and foundation of maritime rights and interests, Mao said the bill violates the United Nations Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Calling it an "egregious legislation", the spokeswoman said the act will irreversibly complicate the situation in the South China Sea.
She also reiterated that China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea will not be affected by the South China Sea Arbitration Award under any circumstances.
Beijing urges Manila to return to the right track of addressing differences through negotiation and consultation, and work with China to safeguard the overall bilateral relations, as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea, she said.
Mao's remarks also came after China's Coast Guard took control measures in accordance with the law on Tuesday against Philippine vessels that illegally intruded into the waters near Ren'ai Reef in the Nansha Islands.
According to the CCG, two supply vessels and two Coast Guard vessels of the Philippines intruded into the adjacent waters of Ren'ai Reef, trying to transport supplies, including construction materials, to the military vessel illegally grounded at the reef.
The CCG said the actions were professional, restrained, justified and lawful.
"We once again urge the Philippines to stop its infringements and provocations at sea," Mao said.
Related articles
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — Two people were injured when gunfire broke out during a high school gradu2024-05-21Taylor Swift is being given too much airtime by the BBC, exasperated viewers tell the corporation
Her megastardom has somehow switched to superstellar since her latest release marked her 12th UK num2024-05-21Inspirational fighting spirit of boy given a gift by King Charles: Eleven
He is the little boy who beamed ear to ear after being gifted three books and a giant chocolate coin2024-05-21Heavy rains in Brazil’s south kill at least 8 people, leave 21 missing, civil defense says
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Heavy rains in Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state have killed at least2024-05-21Why US Catholics are planning pilgrimages in communities across the nation
A long-planned series of Catholic pilgrimages has begun across the United States this weekend, with2024-05-21Huge change to NHS prescriptions kicks in today as pharmacists warn of a 'dark day' for patients
Pharmacists have warned today will be a 'dark day' for patients as the cost of an NHS prescription r2024-05-21
atest comment