On the afternoon of Aug. 7, Ministry of National Defense spokesman Senior
Colonel Chen Xi said Huangyan Island is China’s inherent territory and that
China has continuously, peacefully and effectively exercised sovereignty and
jurisdiction there. Chen said China is the only state entitled under
international law to declare territorial sea baselines for Huangyan Island. He
described recent Philippine actions as a serious infringement of China’s
territorial sovereignty, a grave violation of international law and basic norms
of international relations, and therefore illegal and invalid. Chen said China’s
organization of training and drills is a stern warning against Philippine
provocations and a necessary, lawful measure to safeguard Huangyan Island’s
sovereignty and rights.
