Q: Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro recently stated that “A major part for our national interest is to resist the Chinese claims. And might I underscore that their claim is not merely sovereign rights but indisputable sovereignty and territorial integrity over all waters in the nine-dash line. While in accordance with UNCLOS, our claim is sovereign rights.” What is the Chinese Embassy’s comment on this?  

    A: China’s position and claims on the South China Sea issue are clear and consistent, as reflected in a series of government statements, white papers, and 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.”

    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. 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. 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.