April 9, 2015

"Q: Newly published satellite images show that China is reclaiming land around the Meiji Reef within an area the Philippines regards as its Exclusive Economic Zone. What is China's comment on the negative remarks made by some countries on China's maintenance and construction work on islands and reefs in the South China Sea?

A: China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters. The Chinese government has been carrying out maintenance and construction work on some of the garrisoned Nansha islands and reefs with the main purposes of optimizing their functions, improving the living and working conditions of personnel stationed there, better safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as better performing China's international responsibility and obligation in maritime search and rescue, disaster prevention and mitigation, marine science and research, meteorological observation, environmental protection, navigation safety, fishery production service and other areas. The relevant construction, which is reasonable, justified and lawful, is well within China's sovereignty. It does not impact or target any country, and is thus beyond reproach."

Read more:

http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1253488.shtml