China insists reclamation projects within sovereignty

MANILA, Philippines - Any Chinese activity in disputed areas of the West Philippine Sea is within its sovereignty, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has asserted.

“If the Chinese side would plan for any activities on relevant reef, that is within China’s sovereignty,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying in a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.

She said China has “indisputable sovereignty” over the Spratlys and its adjacent waters.

However, Hua did not confirm reports that Beijing plans to build an artificial island complete with airstrip and sea port in Kagitingan Reef, Fiery Cross Reef or Yongshu to China.

Kagitingan Reef is close to sea lanes and could serve as a strategic naval staging post.

Meanwhile, China has called the friendship games between Filipino and Vietnamese soldiers in the Spratlys archipelago a “clumsy farce.”

The games were held at the Vietnamese occupied Pugad Island (Southwest Cay) between the two military forces.