China slams Philippine move over Huangyan Islands

BEIJING - China on Thursday slammed a Philippine move over the Huangyan Islands in the South China Sea, saying it was groundless and made no sense.

"Our will and resolve in safeguarding territorial sovereignty is unswerving, and China resolutely opposes any move that will complicate and expand the situation," Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a press conference.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over the Huangyan Islands," he reiterated.

The Philippines have contested China's ownership of the islands. According to media reports, the Philippine defense ministry is to place the Huangyan Islands under the jurisdiction of its western command, and the country's armed forces will act when the time comes.