Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Embassy in the Philippines

In response to Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro's recent claim that China's claim "is not merely sovereign rights but indisputable sovereignty and territorial integrity over all waters in the nine-dash line," while the Philippines' claim is "sovereign rights," a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said that China's position on the South China Sea issue has been clear and consistent, as reflected in multiple government statements, white papers, and official documents.

Formed in the long historic course, China's sovereignty and relevant rights in the South China Sea have solid historic and legal basis, and are in line with international law and international practice, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Anyone who carefully reads China's position papers will not arrive at absurd claims such as "China claims indisputable sovereignty and territorial integrity over all waters in the nine-dash line," said the spokesperson.

Ultimately, the reason some Philippine officials repeatedly make statements that distort and attack China's position is, more likely, an attempt to escalate tensions between the two countries and mislead the international community, said the spokesperson.

Such actions once again corroborate what the spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense recently pointed out: that the Philippines is a genuine troublemaker and a creator of danger in the South China Sea, said the spokesperson.

We urge relevant Philippine officials to stop spreading false information and engaging in political theatrics, and instead do more to promote bilateral relations and in the interest of peace and stability in the South China Sea, said the spokesperson.

Global Times