The Chinese government has officially delineated and announced the baselines of its territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao, marking a significant step in reinforcing marine management in the region. According to a foreign ministry spokesperson, this move aligns with international law and common practice.
The spokesperson reaffirmed that Huangyan Dao has always been recognized as part of China's territory. In line with international standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and China's own Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone laws, these new baselines aim to enhance the country's maritime governance.
Addressing the recent developments surrounding the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the spokesperson criticized the legislation as an attempt to legitimize the illegal arbitral award related to the South China Sea dispute. The act, according to China, unlawfully incorporates Huangyan Dao and several islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao into the Philippines' maritime zones.
\"This move severely violates China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea,\" the spokesperson stated. China has expressed firm opposition to the act and pledged to take all necessary legal measures to defend its territorial claims and maritime rights.
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China releases baselines of territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao
cgtn.com
