BEIJING, June 26 -- "The Philippine side attempts to use fishing activities as a pretext to infringe upon China's sovereignty and make provocations. This will never work," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.
The spokesperson made the above remarks when asked to comment on the Philippines' "New Hero-Fisherfolk" Program to encourage its fishermen to exploit fishing resources in waters near China's Nansha Qundao to the fullest extent.
"China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the relevant waters," said the spokesperson, adding that the Chinese side will strengthen administrative control of the relevant waters in accordance with laws and regulations, and firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
