China Stands Firm

"China is gravely concerned over the unilateral oil and natural gas bidding in in the South China Sea done by certain countries", said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan.

Kong, at a regular press conference, urged certain countries to correct the wrongdoing so as to avoid the further complication of the situation.

Kong made the remarks in response to a journalist's question that certain countries unilaterally invited international bidding on oil and natural gas exploration in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

Kong reiterated that China claims indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha (Spratly) islands and the surrounding waters.