BEIJING, Mar. 14 -- "China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. China is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region", said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular media query on Friday.
The spokesperson made the above remarks when being asked to share comment on a recent statement made by the Philippine Defense Secretary. According to reports, the Philippine Defense Secretary claimed that China's increasing aggression in the disputed waters was considered the greatest threat to the national security of the Philippines. He also said that the Philippines and its security allies would together push back any aggressive attempt by China, and take measures against any attempt to impose an air defense zone or restrict freedom of flights over the South China Sea.
Chinese Defense Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang made it clear that in fact, there has never been any problem with regard to the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. However, the Philippine side has repeatedly infringed on China's sovereignty and made provocative moves, and some countries outside the region keep fanning the flames and stirring up troubles. Their behaviors undermined the tranquility in the South China Sea.
"With many options in our toolkit, China stands firm in our resolve to protect our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," stressed the spokesperson.
In the end, he urged the Philippine side not to miscalculate the situation, but to immediately stop risky and futile provocations and return to the right track of properly handling disputes through dialogue.