China Calls Philippine Reef Claims ‘Illegal and Void’
What Happened
China has rejected the Philippines' claims over Mischief Reef and Subi Reef in the South China Sea, calling Manila's position "illegal, null and void." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the reefs are part of the Nansha Islands, which Beijing considers its territory, and defended China's construction and other activities there as lawful. China also rejected the 2016 arbitration ruling and the Philippines' maritime legislation cited by Manila.
Key Takeaways
The dispute follows renewed Philippine demands that China halt activities at the two reefs, which Manila says lie within its maritime zones under international law. The exchange underscores continuing tensions in the South China Sea, where both countries maintain competing territorial and maritime claims.