Manila, Sept. 11 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday told China to immediately cease illegal occupation of Mischief Reef and Subi Reef, asserting the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the two features.

In a statement, Foreign Affairs spokesperson for Maritime Affairs Rogelio Villanueva Jr. said the low-tide elevations, which are situated within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, cannot be subjected to any sovereignty claim.

"China's island-building on both features violates the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064) and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), as confirmed by the (2016 Arbitral) Award, and does not change the features' legal ...