BEIJING, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese territory and there are no so-called "international waters" in the Strait, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks when commenting on the attempts by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to involve external forces in the Taiwan Strait by echoing the U.S. claim that the Strait constitutes "international waters" and correlating the issue with the so called "navigation freedom" and transport of global trade.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and China's domestic law, the waters of the Taiwan Strait are divided into internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone, he said.
Chen added that there's no such legal term as "international waters" in international maritime law.
Noting that the Taiwan Strait has always been one of the busiest shipping routes for global trade, Chen said the DPP authorities, by catering to the distorted views of the United States, have betrayed national interests in their pursuit of "Taiwan independence" through soliciting foreign support.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch to have surgery on knee after sideline collision, AP source says
Middle East nations to enhance tourism ties with China
Winter sports become new custom of China
Xi Replies to Letter from Chinese Paratroopers
EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: French magazine uses AI photographs to predict the Royal Family's future
New Edition of Study Outline on Xi Jinping's Thinking on Strengthening Military Published
Highlights of opening ceremony for China's 14th National Games
Keeping focused vital against Guam, says Chinese midfielder
Queen Mary and King Frederik are caught in a royal Photoshop row
Bulgaria, Romania to join Schengen area
Italy's League party picks a provocative candidate for European Parliament election
More young Chinese people becoming fans of extreme sports