Beijing has dismissed the Philippines' protest against the creation of a national nature reserve on Huangyan Dao, reiterating that the island is China's inherent territory.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the reserve plan is fully within China's sovereignty and aims to safeguard the island's ecological environment and biodiversity in line with both domestic and international law. He noted that the move underscores China's role as a responsible major country committed to sustainable development.
Lin stressed that international treaties long ago settled the extent of the Philippines' territory, and Huangyan Dao was never part of it. He urged Manila to stop 'infringement, provocations and willful hype' to avoid adding complexity to the maritime situation.
On Wednesday, China approved the establishment of the Huangyan Dao national nature reserve, calling it a necessary measure to protect its marine ecological environment.
Reference(s):
China rejects Philippines' protest over Huangyan Dao nature reserve
cgtn.com
