The Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the Philippines’ release of the so-called new version of the “navigation chart”: a serious violation of China’s territorial sovereignty

China News Service, Beijing, September 29 (Reporters Zeng Yue and Guo Chaokai) Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun hosted a regular press conference on the 29th.

A reporter asked: According to reports, on the 25th, the National Maritime Commission of the Philippines released the so-called new version of the "nautical chart", which includes Thitu Island, Mahuan Island and other islands and reefs in China's Nansha Islands. What is China’s comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: Thitu Island and Mahuan Island are part of China’s Nansha Islands and are Chinese territory. China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters. The territorial scope of the Philippines is determined by a series of international treaties. The islands in the South China Sea, including the Nansha Islands, are outside the territorial scope of the Philippines.

The Philippines illegally occupied some of the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands, established the so-called "Kalayaan Island Group" beyond its territorial limits, and published the so-called "nautical chart" of relevant islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands. This seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty, seriously violated the Charter of the United Nations and relevant international laws, and is illegal and invalid.

China firmly opposes any actions by the Philippines that undermine China's sovereignty and rights and interests, and will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.