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China responds to Australia, New Zealand officials' comments on South China Sea

Xinhua, February 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday asked Australia and New Zealand not to interfere in the South China Sea issue as they are not directly involved.

Spokesman Hong Lei was responding to reports that officials of Australia and New Zealand on Friday urged China to refrain from stoking tensions in the South China Sea.

Hong said the islands in the South China Sea have been China's territory since ancient times, and China has the right to maintain its territory, sovereignty and maritime interests.

He noted that deploying national defense facilities on its own territory is China's right granted by international law.

What China has done has nothing to do with militarization, Hong said, urging Australia and New Zealand not to ignore the facts while raising some suggestions which are not constructive. Endi