On September 14, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, Director of the Information Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense and Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense, released information and responded on recent military-related issues.

Q: It’s reported that the spokesperson of Philippines’ National Maritime Council (NMC) claimed that the Philippine side would not leave Xianbin Jiao, and the patrol and supply missions would be continued. In addition, in response to actions China has taken against the Philippines’ activities in the South China Sea, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated the US’s steadfast commitment to the Philippines during a phone call with his Philippine counterpart. What’s your comment on this?

Wu Qian: Nansha Qundao including Xianbin Jiao is China’s inherent territory. The Chinese side takes rights-protection and law-enforcement operations in relevant areas. They are completely legitimate, lawful and professional. The US is not a party concerned in the South China Sea issue, and is in no position to interfere with maritime disputes between China and the Philippines, even less to undermine China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests on the pretext of bilateral treaties. The current escalation in the South China Sea situation is caused by the Philippines who repeatedly made provocations and took reckless actions. The US, on the other hand, has continued to fan the flame and provoke confrontation. It needs to be emphasized that the Chinese side will take firm and effective countermeasures against anyone who stirs up troubles in the South China Sea or infringes upon China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

(Source: Ministry of National Defense of China）