BEIJING, July 30 -- "Relevant remarks of the Philippine side misrepresent the facts and attempt to cast itself as the victim. China's Nanhai Zhudao is beyond the limits of the Philippine territory, which has long been defined by a series of international treaties," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Wednesday.
It's reported that the Philippine Defense Secretary said that the Philippine military is shifting its focus from combating domestic insurgency to external defense, and will take firm measures against China's "aggressive" behaviors in the South China Sea. And the Philippines is strengthening defense cooperation with the US, Australia, Japan and India.
When asked to comment on the Philippine Defense Secretary's remarks, Senior Colonel Zhang pointed out that the Philippine side illegally occupies some islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, repeatedly makes provocations and harassment against China at sea, and plays up to foreign forces to make waves in the South China Sea. The Philippines has become the source of trouble and danger.
"China never wavers in its resolve and will to safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and will take resolute countermeasures against any provocations by the Philippine side in accordance with laws and regulations," stressed the spokesperson.
