Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun responded to Philippine claims on Oct. 6
on Oct. 4 that Chinese forces had harassed Philippine aircraft and vessels in
two South China Sea areas. Guo said China has sovereignty and jurisdiction over
Huangyan Island and the Spratly Islands, including Zhongye Island and Tiexian
Reef, and that those features are not part of Philippine territory as defined by
international treaties. He said Philippine aircraft and ships recently entered
Chinese-controlled sea and airspace without permission, interfered with Chinese
law enforcement, seriously violated China’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, and
deliberately undermined peace and stability in the South China Sea. Chinese
military and coast guard took lawful and appropriate measures in response.
