China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin has asserted claims over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea and asked the Philippines to “stop actions complicating the situation and escalating disputes.” Wenbin was asked on Monday, April 26, 2021, to comment on the exercises being conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the area, which falls within the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). “China enjoys sovereignty over Nansha (Spratly) Islands including Zhongye Island and Zhongsha Islands, including Huangyan Island and their adjacent waters, and exercises jurisdiction in relevant waters. We urge the relevant side to respect China's sovereignty and rights and interests, and stop actions complicating the situation and escalating disputes.

Philippines, China both assert claims over South China Sea. (2021, April 29). SunStar Bacolod, p. 3.