China has lodged solemn representation with Vietnam over its attempt to open a tourist route and launch tourist activities next month to the Nansha Islands, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Beijing yesterday.

Kong Quan said, in response to a journalist's question, that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and surrounding waters and the move taken by Vietnam infringed upon China's territorial sovereignty.

Kong said it is the common responsibility of all relevant countries in the region to maintain stability in the South China Sea.

"We hope relevant countries honor the consensus and respect the principles set forth in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and the Association of South East Asian Nations," he said.

Kong also urged relevant sides to correct the wrongdoing, avoid taking any act that may lead to further complication of the situation and make concrete efforts to maintain stability in the South China Sea.

Vietnam's government announced plans this week to take 100 local tourists to the Nansha Islands in mid-April to visit Vietnamese military outposts.

It would be the first such tour of the islands, and visits would be offered to foreign tourists if all goes well, the government said.

The islands are believed to have rich oil and natural gas reserves.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2004)