FULL TEXT: China reacts to US Navy operations in disputed sea

MANILA, Philippines - China on Tuesday expressed its strong opposition against the "freedom of navigation" operation of the United States over Subi Reef, one of its artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang claimed that US guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen illegally entered the Spratlys or Nansha Islands without permission from the Chinese government.

During his regular press conference, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson answered some questions regarding the incident.

Q: It is reported that the USS Lassen sailed within 12 nautical miles off Zhubi Reef of the Nansha Islands on October 27. What is China's comment on that? What have the relevant Chinese authorities done in response?

A: The Chinese Foreign Ministry has released a statement on that at noon.

The USS Lassen illegally entered waters near relevant islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands without the permission of the Chinese government on October 27. Relevant authorities of the Chinese side monitored, followed and warned the US vessel. Relevant actions by the US naval vessel threatened China's sovereignty and security interests, put the personnel and facilities on the islands and reefs at risk and endangered regional peace and stability. The Chinese side hereby expresses strong opposition.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also issued a solemn warning to the American side this morning when answering a journalist's question, urging the US not to stir up troubles.

The Chinese side has stressed on many occasions that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters. China's sovereignty and relevant rights over the South China Sea have been formed over the long course of history and upheld by successive Chinese governments.

Construction by the Chinese side on its own territory is in the realm of China's sovereignty. It does not target nor affect any country, and has not and will not have any impact on the freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea to which all countries are entitled under international law.

The Chinese side respects and safeguards the freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea to which all countries are entitled under international law. In fact, the Chinese side cares more about navigation safety and freedom in the South China Sea than any other countries including some country outside the region. Commercial shipping is different from military actions. We stand firmly against the harm caused by any country to China's sovereignty and security interests under the cloak of navigation and over-flight freedom. The Chinese side is steadfast in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and security as well as lawful and justified maritime rights and interests. The Chinese side will firmly respond to any deliberate provocation by any country. We will keep a close eye on what is happening in the relevant waters and airspace and take all necessary measures as needed.

The Chinese side strongly urges the American side to take China's solemn representations seriously, put right mistakes, refrain from any dangerous or provocative actions detrimental to China's sovereignty and security interests, and honor its commitment of not taking sides on disputes over territorial sovereignty so as to avoid any further damage to China-US relations and regional peace and stability.

Q: Can you tell us which islands or reefs the USS Lassen sailed near? I understand it could be both Meiji Reef and Zhubi Reef. Was there one Chinese ship or were there more than one following the USS Lassen? Was that the Kunming vessel?

A: On your first question, I would suggest that you ask the US side.

On your second question, the Chinese side has taken measures in accordance with the law. We firmly oppose such kind of actions by the US.

Q: Will there be any further reaction from the Chinese side?

A: China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters. It is completely lawful for us to conduct normal construction on our own territory. It is justified for us to carry out relevant construction for the purpose of providing public goods and services and facilitating navigation in the region.

If any countries attempt to disrupt or impede the aforementioned lawful, justified and reasonable actions by the Chinese side with maneuvers, I advise those countries to cast aside the illusion the sooner the better.

If the relevant party keeps creating tension and stirring up troubles in the region, the Chinese side may have to reach the conclusion that we do need to step up and speed up relevant capacity building. We advise the US not to take self-defeating actions.

Q: You said that the Chinese side will firmly react to any country's provocation. What does that mean? How far is China willing to go to protect its territory?

A: China cares about peace, security and stability of the region, including that of the South China Sea. However, the Chinese side will not swallow silently any damage or threat to its sovereign rights and legitimate security interests. I would like to point out that the Chinese side is willing to remove differences through peaceful means, but when it has to react, it will decide when and how to react according to its will and need.

Q: Does that mean the Chinese side will take military actions?

A: I have no comment on a hypothetical question.

Q: First, the incident took place after President Xi Jinping's visit to the US. Does that imply that the disagreement between China and the US on this issue is getting bigger, and that there is only a slim chance for the two countries to see eye to eye? Second, last month, Chinese naval vessels sailed within 12 nautical miles off the coastline of Alaska. There was no strong reaction from the US military as they took it as innocent passage. Some people compared China's reaction with that of the US. Do you think they are comparable?

A: On your first question, President Xi Jinping's visit to the US is a full success. Leaders of the two countries reached important consensus on a lot of issues after in-depth communication. It is imperative for the two sides to implement the consensus, ensure the steady advancement of the new type of major-country relationship between China and the US and deliver tangible benefits to the two peoples. Leaders of the two countries had a candid exchange of views on the issue of the South China Sea during their talks. President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of no confrontation and no friction. We hope that the American side would cherish peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific, value the bilateral relationship, prioritize people's interests and reflect upon its behavior on this issue.

On your second question, the Spokesperson of the Defense Ministry of China has already made a statement. The Strait of Tanaga is for international sailing. In accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the geographic condition of the Strait, all ships passing the Strait have the right of transit passage. What Chinese naval vessels have done is in line with the international law and international practice.

The US naval vessel took the liberty to sail across waters off islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands. It is completely different from transit passage and is nothing close to the so-called exercise of navigation freedom. Instead, it is a threat to China's sovereignty and security. The Chinese side is firmly opposed to that.

Q: Given that the US has sent ships to the area, will the Chinese side continue with its island construction?

A: As I just said, it is completely lawful, reasonable and justified for China to conduct construction activities on its own territory with the aim of producing public goods and services. If any countries attempt to disrupt or impede China's normal construction with maneuvers, I advise them to drop the illusion the sooner the better.

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