Beijing, Sept. 15 -- China has rejected maritime jurisdiction claims made by the Philippines over features in the South China Sea, labelling Manila's position "illegal, null and void" following a recent statement by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Philippines issued a direct demand for China to cease its activities on Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) and Zamora Reef (Subi Reef), asserting that Beijing's artificial island construction violates international law and Philippine domestic legislation.

During a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed statements issued by Manila regarding Meiji Jiao (Mischief Reef), Zhubi Jiao (Subi Reef), and Zhongye Dao (Thitu Island).

"Nansha Qund...