BEIJING, June 9 -- "China will take resolute and strong measures to safeguard its national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Tuesday.

Japan and the Philippines unilaterally announced the launch of maritime delimitation negotiations in the waters east of China's Taiwan Island. The China Coast Guard immediately conducted law enforcement patrols in the relevant waters, and China's Ministry of Transport subsequently carried out a special law enforcement operation on maritime traffic.

When being asked to comment on that, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND) pointed out that regarding the unauthorized announcement by Japan and the Philippines to launch the so-called "maritime delimitation negotiations" in the waters east of China's Taiwan Island, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly stated China's solemn position of firm opposition.

"We urge Japan and the Philippines to immediately stop their illegal infringements and provocative acts," stressed the spokesperson, adding that,"If they choose to persist in their wrong course, they will only reap what they sow."