China reiterates its sovereignty and rights in South China Sea

BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese spokesperson said Wednesday that China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea would not be altered by unjustified accusations from any country.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks at a press briefing in response to the U.S. accusations against China over the South China Sea.

China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea were established throughout a long course of history and have been upheld by successive Chinese governments, Zhao said.

"They are consistent with international law including the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and cannot be altered by the unwarranted allegations of any country," Zhao said.

Noting that the United States is not a party to the South China Sea disputes, Zhao said the United States had not been abiding by its commitment of holding no position on relevant territorial sovereignty disputes, but instead had stirred up trouble in the South China Sea, engaged in military provocations and attempted to drive a wedge between regional countries.

"None of this is conducive to peace and stability in the South China Sea," Zhao said.