The Philippine Side Attempts to Use Fishing Activities as a Pretext to Infringe upon China’s Sovereignty and Make Provocations
In the regular news conference of Ministry of National Defense of P.R.C. on June 26, spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang answers the questions about The Philippines' matters.
A journalist asks, "It is reported that the Philippines has launched a so-called “New Hero-Fisherfolk” Program to encourage its fishermen to exploit fishing resources in waters near Nansha to the fullest extent. What’s your take on that?"
Zhang indicates, "China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. The Philippine side attempts to use fishing activities as a pretext to infringe upon China’s sovereignty and make provocations. This will never work. The Chinese side will strengthen administrative control of relevant waters in accordance with laws and regulations, and firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."