Ministry of National Defense: China will take forceful actions to curb any actions that disrupt the South China Sea

On the afternoon of October 16, the spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, Colonel Chen Xi, released news on recent military-related issues.

Reporter: According to reports, the Philippines has recently made provocations and troubles on Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, saying that it will not allow China to issue orders in Philippine "territory". The Philippine military recently stated that it detected normal activities of more than a hundred Chinese warships and coast guard ships in relevant waters such as Thitu Island and Xianbin Reef in September, believing that China intends to shake the Philippines' determination to protect its rights and interests. Any comment on this?

Chen Xi: China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island and the Nansha Islands including Thitu Island, Xianbin Reef, Ren'ai Reef and their adjacent waters. It has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. The Philippines' territorial scope does not include these islands and reefs at all, and it is not qualified to talk about the so-called "protecting its own rights and interests." China has taken necessary measures to safeguard its sovereign rights and interests in accordance with laws and regulations, which are legitimate, reasonable, and professional.

For some time, the Philippines has ignored the common interests of countries in the region, roped in external forces to stir up trouble, and has continued to infringe and provoke in the South China Sea. It has also distorted facts and spread false narratives, which is a disruptor and destabilizing factor for peace in the South China Sea. China will take firm determination and powerful actions to curb any actions that disrupt the South China Sea and safeguard regional peace and stability.