Philippines urged to stop Huangyan Islands comments

A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday urged the Philippines to stop making remarks or taking actions that may complicate ongoing tensions over the South China Sea. China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, said Hong Lei at a daily news briefing, adding, "The Huangyan Islands are China's inherent territory, and their sovereignty is indisputable." Hong made the remarks in response to a question about Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario's remarks on Thursday asking China to withdraw three Chinese vessels from the waters of the Huangyan Islands. "We hope the Philippine side can do more things that are conducive to peace and stability in the South China Sea, and stop making remarks or actions that may complicate the South China Sea issue," the spokesman said.