Question: The Philippine Navy reportedly claimed that China may be taking advantage of the international attention on the conflict in the Middle East, citing a so-called escalation of harassment activities in the South China Sea as proof. The Philippine National Maritime Council also condemned the Chinese side for so-called dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels and personnel in the South China Sea. Do you have any comment on this?

Zhang Xiaogang: Recently, the Philippine side has intruded into the airspace over and the waters adjacent to China's Huangyan Dao and the  islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, deliberately charged into the exercise and training zones of the Chinese side, and even closed in on Chinese vessels in a dangerous manner. It has repeatedly committed rights-violation and harassing acts against China, increasing factors of insecurity and instability in the Asia-Pacific region. We urge the Philippine side to stop counting on external forces to stir up troubles at sea, since such a scheme will prove self-defeating and fruitless. The Chinese side remains unwavering in our resolve to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We will continue to take resolute countermeasures against any rights-violation and provocations.