China asserts itself in S. China Sea dispute

China.org.cn, June 8, 2011

China rejects the Philippines' accusation on the South China Sea issue, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei told a press conference Tuesday.

Hong said "Chinese vessels were cruising and carrying out scientific studies in waters under China's jurisdiction and their activities were in line with the law."

Recently the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said the interests of their fisherman were harmed by the increasing activity of Chinese vessels on the South China Sea. The activity also undermined the peace and stability of the region, violated maritime jurisdiction and disobeyed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, Xinhua reported.

Hong, in response to the Philippine accusation, said China holds a long-term and consistent position on the South China Sea, and the position remains unchanged for centuries and is in accordance with international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He said "China asks the Philippines to stop harming China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, which leads to unilateral actions that expand and complicate South China Sea disputes … The Philippines should stop publishing irresponsible statements that do not match the facts."

To properly handle the dispute, China is willing to seek solutions by directly consulting or negotiating with the Philippines, he said.

He also said that China is also willing to work with all sides involved to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to safeguard the stability of the sea by practical means and build it into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, Xinhua reported.