China has firmly rejected accusations from the Philippines that it is constructing an artificial island near Xianbin Jiao, labeling the claims as “groundless” and “pure rumors.”
On Monday, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, addressed the allegations during a regular press conference. He stated that the Philippines has been spreading misinformation and deliberately misleading the international community.
“Such accusations against China are baseless and pure rumors,” Wang emphasized. “We urge the Philippines to stop making irresponsible remarks, face the facts, and return to the right track of properly handling maritime-related differences through negotiation and consultation as soon as possible.”
The Philippines recently alleged that China was damaging coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea—a term used by the Philippines for parts of the South China Sea—to build an island. Manila refers to Xianbin Jiao as Escoda Reef.
Xianbin Jiao, also known as Xianbin Reef, is located within China’s Nansha Qundao, known internationally as the Spratly Islands. China asserts sovereignty over the area, citing historical claims outlined by the nine-dash line.
The South China Sea remains a region of strategic importance and territorial disputes, involving multiple countries with overlapping claims. China’s stance emphasizes resolving differences through dialogue and consultation.
The ongoing tensions highlight the complexity of maritime sovereignty issues in the region and underscore the need for diplomatic efforts to maintain peace and stability.
As the situation develops, regional observers and the international community continue to monitor developments in the South China Sea, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement among all parties involved.
Reference(s):
China slams claims about building artificial island near Xianbin Jiao
cgtn.com
