BEIJING, Sep. 14 -- "It needs to be emphasized that the Chinese side will take firm and effective counter-measures against anyone who stirs up troubles in the South China Sea or infringes upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian at regular press briefing on Saturday.
It's reported that the spokesperson of the Philippines' National Maritime Council (NMC) claimed that the Philippine side would not leave Xianbin Jiao, and the patrol and supply missions would be continued. In addition, in response to the actions China has taken against the Philippines' activities in the South China Sea, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated the US's steadfast commitment to the Philippines during a phone call with his Philippine counterpart.
When being asked to share comments on these, Senior Colonel Wu Qian made the above remarks and pointed out that Nansha Qundao including Xianbin Jiao is China's inherent territory.
"The Chinese side takes rights-protection and law-enforcement operations in the relevant areas, which are completely legitimate, lawful, professional and standardized," said the spokesperson.
He further pointed out that the US is not a party concerned in the South China Sea issue, and is in no position to interfere with maritime disputes between China and the Philippines, even less to undermine China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests on the pretext of bilateral treaties.
"The current escalation in the South China Sea situation is caused by the Philippines, who repeatedly made provocations and took reckless actions, and the US, who has continued to fan the flame and provoke confrontation," stressed the spokesperson.