Update: China does not accept Philippines' so-called protest over establishment of Huangyan Dao national nature reserve: FM spokesperson

BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that China does not accept the Philippines' groundless accusations and so-called protest over China's establishment of a national nature reserve on Huangyan Dao.

Lin made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to a question regarding the Philippine foreign ministry's "strong protest" against China's plan.

"Huangyan Dao is China's inherent territory. The establishment of the Huangyan Dao national nature reserve is a matter within China's sovereignty," Lin said.

The move aims to protect the ecological environment of Huangyan Dao and maintain the diversity, stability and sustainability of its ecosystem, which is in line with both China's domestic laws and international law, the spokesperson added.

"It also fully demonstrates China's sense of responsibility as a major country in actively protecting the ecological environment and promoting sustainable development," Lin said.

"The scope of the Philippines' territory has long been defined by a series of international treaties, and Huangyan Dao has never been part of it," said the spokesperson.

China urges the Philippines to stop its infringement activities, provocations and attempts to hype up the issue, and avoid adding complexity to the maritime situation, Lin said.

China announced its approval of a plan to establish the Huangyan Dao national nature reserve on Wednesday. ■