Photo: Chinese Defense Ministry

When asked to comment on media reports that the Philippines had issued a navigational warning announcing the designation of a large-scale exercise zone in the South China Sea from January 21 to March 31, with the scope covering China's Huangyan Dao, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's ministry of national defense, said Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory, and the Philippine side is delusional in attempting to carry out infringement and provocation under the guise of exercises, deliberately creating tensions at sea. 

"We are strongly dissatisfied with and firmly oppose it, and have lodged solemn representations with the Philippine side. China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with the law, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea," the spokesperson said.

Global Times