BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory and the Philippines' illegitimate attempts in this region will certainly fail, a Chinese defense spokesperson said on Thursday.
Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to questions about recent intrusions by Philippine public vessels into waters near Huangyan Dao, as well as so-called the joint patrols conducted in the area by the Philippines, the United States and Japan.
The Philippines' territory is defined by a number of international treaties, and Huangyan Dao lies beyond that scope, Jiang said, noting that this fact cannot be altered no matter what tricks the Philippine side plays, or whomever it courts for support.
The Chinese military will always remain on high alert, resolutely counter any rights-violation and provocative acts, take concrete actions to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, Jiang stressed.
He also cautioned that defense and security cooperation among relevant countries should not target any third party, nor undermine regional peace and stability. ■
