Zhang Xiaogang Photo:mod.gov.cn

Responding to an inquiry regarding a Philippine ship bumped into a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel after approaching the Chinese ship in a dangerous manner in the waters adjacent to islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, and the Philippines' Defense Secretary claimed that the Philippine side had sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and Nansha Qundao, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense said that the CCG has responded to the incident and released video clips of the friction. 

The fact is crystal clear, and the Philippine side has no ground to justify or deny its intrusion, provocations and wrongdoings, Zhang added.

As we all know, the scope of Philippine territories has been defined by a series of international treaties, Zhang said, adding that China's Huangyan Dao and Nansha Qundao are not within its scope.

Zhang said that the Philippines' Defense Secretary deliberately distorted historical and legal facts to justify infringements and provocations of the Philippine side, adding that it is totally groundless and will not work. 

"We urge the Philippine side to give up unrealistic illusions, and stop putting on self-staged farces at sea or orchestrating propaganda," he said, noting that the Chinese side will continue to take resolute measures to firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Global Times