Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei’s Regular Press Conference on May 6, 2015
2016/05/06
Q: According to US experts at a discussion held by the Eat-West Center recently, coral reefs in the South China Sea are being destroyed on a large scale, mainly caused by China’s massive land reclamation activities. The Philippines also claimed that China’s construction on Meiji Jiao was harmful to the marine ecological environment. How do you respond?
A: The Nansha Islands are China’s territory. As owners of the Nansha Islands, China cares about protecting the ecological environment of relevant islands, reefs and waters more than any other country, organization or people in the world.
China’s activities on the Nansha Islands strictly follow the principle of conducting green project and building ecological islands and reefs. Based on thorough studies and scientific proof, China adopts dynamic protection measures along the whole process so as to combine construction with ecological environmental protection and realize sustainable development of islands and reefs. To be specific, China takes the approach of “natural simulation” which simulates the natural process of sea storms blowing away and moving biological scraps which gradually evolve into oasis on the sea. The impact on the ecological system of coral reefs is limited. Once China’s construction activities are completed, ecological environmental protection on relevant islands and reefs will be notably enhanced and such action stands the test of time.
Q: What is China’s comment on the 7th Workers’ Party Congress of the DPRK held today?
A: The DPRK is now at a crucial stage of development. We wish for national development and well-being of the people in the DPRK. Meanwhile, we also hope the DPRK would heed the calls of the international community, and jointly safeguard lasting peace and stability of Northeast Asia.
Q: Russia will hold a military parade on May 9 in Moscow. What is your comment?
A: Russia’s May 9 celebration and China’s September 3 commemoration are important occasions to showcase the courage to uphold justice and commemorate the history of fighting against Fascist. Last year, President Xi Jinping attended the May 9 celebration in Russia, and President Putin traveled to China for the September 3 commemoration. The two countries stood together to show their commitments to history and justice, displaying the important historic contribution China and Russia made to the victory of World Anti-Fascism War as the major theaters in Asia and Europe. We wish Russia’s celebration on May 9 this year a success.
Q: We are closely watching the final award of the South China Sea arbitration case initiated by the Philippines which may come out in May or June. In what way will China be affected by the award?
A: Those who expect to make an accomplished fact or press China to compromise through the so-called award will only find their illusions crushed. Whatever decision the arbitrary tribunal makes on the South China Sea case, it is illegal and null and China will not accept nor recognize it. China is steadfast in defending its national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China is rock-firm in safeguarding the international rule of law and the integrity and sanctity of UNCLOS.
After the press conference, the following question is raised: Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida made some irresponsible remarks on the South China Sea issue during his recent visit to three countries in Southeast Asia. Does China have any response?
A: China and ASEAN have reached consensus on the South China Sea issue, which is that specific disputes should be resolved through negotiation and consultation by countries directly concerned according to Article 4 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and China and ASEAN countries should jointly maintain peace and stability of the South China Sea. Upon verification, remarks made by the Japanese foreign minister in his visit are totally untrue and are mostly made up by himself. Japan is not a party concerned to the South China Sea with a disgraceful past in this region during the Second World War. It is not in a position to make carping comments on the South China Sea issue. We advise the Japanese side to watch its words and actions, and not do things that jeopardize peace and stability of the South China Sea.