The U.S. should keep its hands off the South China Sea: Spokesperson

(ECNS) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed a press conference on Monday, answering questions about China's plans to establish a “national nature reserve” at Huangyan Island.

The following is the question and his response.

China News Service: It’s reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that the U.S. stands with its Philippine ally in rejecting China’s destabilizing plans to establish a “national nature reserve” at the Huangyan Island. He said this is yet another coercive attempt to advance territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors. He called upon China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal’s decision. What’s China’s comment?

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian: China made its position clear on that issue last week, and made a serious protest to the U.S. today over the wrongful remarks. Huangyan Dao has always been China's territory. It is China's sovereign right to create a national nature reserve for the island, which is legitimate, lawful, and beyond reproach.

With the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the South China Sea has been generally stable. The U.S. is not a party to the South China Sea issue, but has repeatedly made irresponsible remarks, caused problems and meddled in the maritime issues between countries concerned. The U.S. has also brought in individual countries to sow discord and fear and disrupt the South China Sea which has otherwise been tranquil all along. The “arbitration” that you mentioned is nothing but a political farce orchestrated by the U.S. masqueraded as a legal process. The so-called “decision” is illegal, null and void, and is not binding. China does not accept or recognize it. Who’s committed to defending the international rule of law and a peaceful and stable South China Sea, and who’s been a disruptor and troublemaker? The answer is quite clear.

The U.S. should keep its hands off the South China Sea, the hands that have been the source of disinformation, tension and confrontation, and give the South China Sea its tranquility back. China will continue to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, actively move forward consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.