BEIJING, Jan. 25 -- China resolutely opposes the Philippine side conducting any form of construction on China's islands and reefs illegally occupied by them, said a Chinese defense spokesperson at a regular press conference on Thursday.
It is reported that the Chief of Staff of the Philippine Armed Forces said that the Philippines is planning to develop the South China Sea islands and reefs and acquire more ships and radars. Some analysts say that the Philippine side is intended to build outposts in the South China Sea.
In response to such words, Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian said that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, which is fully backed by historical and jurisprudential basis. China resolutely opposes the Philippine side conducting any form of construction on China's islands and reefs illegally occupied by them.
He pointed out that there are some difficulties in the current China-Philippines relationship. The root cause is that the Philippine side has, in collusion with outside powers, broken its promise and kept violating China's sovereignty and making provocations in the South China Sea.
"These efforts have undermined China's legitimate and lawful rights and interests. We urge the Philippine side to respect history, recognize the reality, and do not go further down the wrong path," said Defense Spokesperson Wu.
He stressed that China is willing to work together with the Philippines to resolve differences through bilateral dialogues and consultation. However, if the Philippine side insists on taking its own course, China will surely take firm countermeasures.
