Q: It’s reported that Philippine President Arroyo recently signed the Baselines Act involving Huangyan Island and Nansha Islands. Could you comment?

A: The Chinese Foreign Ministry has already issued a statement on the issue. I would like to reiterate that Huangyan Island and Nansha Islands have always been parts of China’s territory. The People’s Republic of China owns indisputable sovereignty over these islands and adjacent waters. Sovereignty claims over Huangyan Island and Nansha Islands by any other country are illegal and invalid.