Oct. 16 — China's Defense Ministry spokesman Col. Chen Xi said Beijing will take
firm resolve and strong action to curb any acts that disturb the South China
Sea, reiterating Beijing's claim of indisputable sovereignty over Scarborough
Shoal and Spratly features including Zhongye Island, Xianbin Reef and Ren'ai
Reef. Chen's remarks responded to Philippine media and military claims that
Manila has repeatedly faced provocations around those features and that
Philippine forces detected more than 100 Chinese warships and coast guard
vessels in September; China accused the Philippines of colluding with outside
forces, spreading false narratives and acting as a destabilizing factor, and
said it would act to safeguard regional peace and stability.
