Q: It is reported that, on February 17, the spokesperson of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Philippines accused Chinese fishermen of using cyanide in Huangyan Dao to intentionally destroy the traditional fishing grounds of Filipino fishermen. In the same tone, the Philippine Coast Guard's spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea Commodore alleged that the latest behaviors of the Chinese fishermen could be seen not only as an attack on Philippine sovereignty but also on humanity. The latter, however, made clarification on February 18 or the next day that there is no evidence showing that Chinese fishermen destroyed corals and marine resources in Huangyan Dao using cyanide. What's the Embassy Spokesperson's comment on this?

A: The allegationn against Chinese fisherman is totally baseless and sheer fabrication. China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters. The Chinese Government attaches great importance to the protection of ecological environment and conservation of fishery resources, and have taken resolute measures to crack down on any illegal fishing activities.

Such continuous disinformation has led up to nothing but exacerbation of the maritime tensions and destabilization of bilateral relations. The groundless speculations, slanders and inconsistent statements of spokespersons of relevant Philippine agencies can only place their professionalism and credibility in doubt. We urge the relevant Philippine agencies to handle maritime issues with all seriousness, and meet the Chinese side halfway in safeguarding bilateral relations as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea.