China urges Philippines to stop harming its rights in South China Sea

China has urged Philippines to stop harming its rights and interests in the South China Sea. In a statement, Philippines authorities said on Saturday that Chinese vessels were hampering legitimate activities by Philippine fishermen, undermining the peace and stability of the region. Responding to the statement, Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei has said the Philippines government should stop publishing irresponsible statements that do not match the facts. He said Chinese vessels were carrying out scientific studies in waters under Chinese jurisdiction and acting in line with the law. Last week, Philippines authorities said Chinese ships had offloaded building materials and erected marker posts on reefs to the west of its island of Palawan, well within Manila's exclusive economic zone. Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the action aggressively violated a 2002 agreement between China and its Southeast Asian neighbours governing conduct in the South China Sea.

Courtesy : AIR