China has reaffirmed its opposition to recent attempts by the Philippines to rename parts of the Nansha Qundao (Spratly Islands) in the South China Sea, calling the move a violation of international law. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Wednesday that Beijing will take "necessary measures" to protect its territorial sovereignty, emphasizing China's "indisputable" claims over the islands and adjacent waters.
The remarks follow Manila's unilateral decision to assign names to features within the Nansha Qundao, which China administers as part of its southern Hainan Province. Mao criticized the Philippines for illegally delineating the "Kalayaan Island Group" beyond its territorial scope, calling the actions inconsistent with the UN Charter.
Analysts suggest the dispute could further strain cross-strait diplomatic efforts, particularly as regional tensions over maritime resources and navigation rights persist. China has recently accelerated infrastructure projects in the area, including research stations and environmental monitoring facilities.
This development comes amid broader discussions about adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), with Beijing reiterating its preference for bilateral negotiations to resolve territorial disputes.
