Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao restated Tuesday China's sovereignty over Huangyan Island and the Philippines has no right to check Chinese fishing boats in the sea area near the Island.
During a routine press conference, Zhu said that Huangyan Island in the South China Sea has been an integral part of the Chinese territory and China's jurisdiction over the island has been comprehensively acknowledged by the international community.
China has "sufficient historical and legal evidence" to prove that Huangyan Island has always been part of the Chinese territory and its surrounding waters have been a traditional fishing ground for Chinese fishermen, Zhu said.
Philippine Vice President and Foreign Secretary Teofisto Guingona made a statement on March 15, claiming that Huangyan Island was part of the Philippine territory and the Philippines " has exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over the area."
Zhu pointed out that Huangyan island "has never been within the Philippine territory. And maps published by the Philippine government also show that Huangyan Island is not within the Philippine territory.
"A number of treaties that demarcate the Philippine territory indicate that its western limit is 118 degrees east longitude. Huangyan island, however, is to the west of the line, and belongs to China's Zhongsha Archipelago," the spokesman said.
He refuted the Philippine claim based on the pretext of its " 200-mile exclusive economic zone" and "geographical vicinity," saying such a claim can find "no support in international law."
Zhu again urged the Philippine side to respect the basic facts and the norms of international law, observe the understanding and consensus reached by the two sides through negotiations, and take concrete actions to maintain stability in the South China Sea to the benefit of the Sino-Philippine friendship.
Zhu said fishing activities of the Chinese fishermen in the area is "proper and normal" and the Philippine side has no right to board or to inspect Chinese fishing boats in the area, nor the right to take any measure against these fishermen.
The spokesman stressed that Chinese law prohibits in no uncertain terms fishing activities that are harmful to the marine environment and marine life protection, including the fishing of turtles and the collection of coral.
He said the Chinese government always attaches great importance to the protection of marine environment and fishery resources and abides by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
A Philippine navy crew boarded 10 Chinese fishing boats near the Huangyan Island last week to conduct inspections, and confiscated some fishing tools and fish and other aquatic products.
(Peopel's Daily 03/21/2001)
