Fri, April 27, 2012
According to a report in Manila Bulletin, the Philippine government on Wednesday confirmed its plan to open an elementary school on Zhongye Island, which belongs to China's Nansha Islands in the South China Sea.
In response to the move, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said, at a routine press briefing on Thursday afternoon, that China has sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and its adjacent waters and opposes any illegal activities that will infringe upon its sovereignty.
The spokesman urged the Philippines to adhere to the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and refrain from taking any actions that will complicate or escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and stability.
He warned the Philippine side to stop its petty actions that will not help resolve matters relating to Huangyan Island.
In March, the Philippine government revealed a plan to construct a simple wharf on Zhongye Island. Kalayaan Mayor Eugenio Biton-onon said the wharf would be constructed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) with the help of the Philippine Navy.
