MANILA, Philippines (April 14, 2011) – The Chinese government cannot accept the claims of the Philippines on its sovereignty over some islands in South China Sea, a high ranking official of China said today.
This after the Philippine government filed a protest before the United Nation, claiming control over parts of Nansha Islands, parts of the Kalayaan Group of Islands.
In a regular briefing in Beijing today, spokesman of China’s foreign ministry Hong Lei said: “China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and adjacent waters.â€
“China owns sovereignty and jurisdiction over the related sea area, seabed and subsoil,†Hong pointed out.
“The sovereignty of China over the South China Sea and related rights and jurisdiction are well-grounded from both historical and legal perspectives,†Hong added.
Early last month, the China insists sovereignty on the area where a Filipino ship, searching for oil near the disputed Spratly Islands, were allegedly harassed by Chinese patrol boats.
In a statement, Ethan Sun, China’s spokesman and deputy chief of Political Section here, said his nation has sovereignty over the area where the reported harassment happened.
“What I want to point out is that, ever since ancient times, China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters,†he cited.
He assured that China is sticking to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and committed to maintaining peace and stability in the area.
“The Chinese side maintains that the related disputes should be resolved through peaceful negotiations,†he added.
The statement came after the Philippine government sought explanation of the incident, where two Chinese patrol boats allegedly harassed a Philippine boat near the disputed islands.
The March 4 incident prompted the United States to call on the Philippine and Chinese governments to exercise restraint over the incident.
U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said the two countries must exercise “restraint†in resolving the issue.
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