Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian Photo: VCG

Responding to media inquiries about US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's reported recent statement backing the Philippines' so-called rejection of China's plan to establish the Huangyan Dao national nature reserve, urging China to abide by the so-called "2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday that China had made its position clear on the relevant issue last week and lodged stern representations with the US today over its erroneous remarks. 

Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory. The establishment of Huangyan Dao national nature reserve is entirely within China's sovereignty, which is legitimate and lawful, and brooks no interference, Lin said. 

At present, with the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea remains generally stable. The US is not a party to the South China Sea issue, yet it repeatedly makes irresponsible comments, stirs up trouble, interferes in maritime matters between relevant countries, ropes in individual states to create discord, and hypes up tensions, disturbing the calm of the South China Sea, Lin added.

Lin stressed that the so-called "Arbitral Award on the South China Sea" was orchestrated by the US as a political farce under the guise of law. The so-called award is illegal and void, has no binding force, and China does not accept or recognize it. 

Who is the defender of international rule of law and peace and stability in the South China Sea, and who is the disruptor and troublemaker, is self-evident. We advise the US to withdraw its hands from stirring up trouble, sowing discord and inciting confrontation in the South China Sea, and let the region return to tranquility and peace, Lin noted

China will continue to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and actively advance consultations on a Code of Conduct, so as to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, Lin said.

Global Times