China claims indisputable sovereignty on Nansha
(CRI)
Updated: 2004-10-22 09:14

China states that it has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, known in the West as the Spratleys, and the surrounding sea.

Reports say Vietnam's Petrovietnam has invited tenders for oil and gas exploration in some disputed areas in the South China Sea.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue says Vietnam's move infringes upon China's sovereignty and oceanic rights and interests. China hopes Vietnam will correct the mistake as soon as possible and not take any unilateral actions that would complicate or enlarge disputes.

The spokeswoman adds that China also hopes international oil companies will respect China's firm stance on this issue, and not do anything to harm China's sovereignty over its marine territory.

Close

Today's Top News     Top China News
Coal mine blast kills 62 workers, traps 86         Free trade pact with ASEAN in sight         Car production lower than expected         Farmers sickened by kitchen smoke         Cathay Pacific targets Air China IPO shares         Study: US presidential race most expensive	Hu urges saving lives of trapped coal miners       China to release predictions of ten key industries       Two more agricultural insurers gain approval       Dispute arises between old, new laws       New hybrid rice developed       Firms told be fair to migrant workers