BEIJING, Apr. 27 -- Other countries are in no position to make irresponsible remarks on China's lawful exercise of national sovereignty in the South China Sea, said Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
It is reported that in the joint statement issued after the recent US-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, the US and the Philippines expressed “objections to China's maritime claims, militarization of reclaimed features, and threatening and provocative activities in the South China Sea”, and vowed to accelerate the deployment of new American military bases in the Philippines.
To refute such malicious smear and groundless accusations by the US and the Philippines, Senior Colonel Tan pointed out that China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands and the adjacent waters, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant sea areas. China’s infrastructure construction and deployment of necessary defensive forces on certain islands and reefs in the South China Sea are a lawful exercise of national sovereignty, which is absolutely legal and legitimate.
China has repeatedly expressed stern concern over the US development of new military bases in the Philippines. At present, the US side continues to strengthen its military deployment in the South China Sea, and intentionally stokes regional tension, to which regional countries should stay on high alert, he reminded.
The Chinese military will continue to resolutely defend the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, noted the spokesperson.