国防部：中方与地区国家共同将南海打造成和平、友谊、合作之海
MND： China is Committed to Working with Regional Countries to Foster a Sea of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation in the South China Sea
1月8日上午，国防部新闻发言人张晓刚大校就近期涉军问题发布消息。
记者：据报道，中国海军近期在南海救助菲律宾渔民，菲海军发言人诬称中方公开此事脱离了救助本质，是“政治宣传”。请问对此有何评论？
Question: As was reported, the PLA Navy recently rescued a Philippine fisherman in the South China Sea. However, Philippine Navy spokesperson claimed that for the Chinese side to publicize the matter would “lose the essence of such assistance and would only speak of propaganda.” What’s your comment on this?
张晓刚：前不久，中国海军舰艇在中国管辖海域例行巡航时，救助遇险被困的菲律宾渔民，事后很多菲民众感谢和赞扬中方义举。菲方有些人只想着把本国渔民当作海上侵权挑衅和煽宣炒作的工具，往火坑里推，毫不顾及他们的生计和安全，还对中方进行污蔑指责，十分虚伪和冷血。事实胜于雄辩，公道自在人心。中方始终坚定维护自身领土主权和海洋权益，并致力于与地区国家共同将南海打造成和平、友谊、合作之海。
Zhang Xiaogang: During a routine patrol in waters under China’s jurisdiction, crew members of a PLA Navy vessel rescued a distressed Philippine fisherman. Many Filipinos expressed gratitude and commended this humanitarian act by the Chinese side. In stark contrast, certain individuals in the Philippines have sought to exploit their own fishermen as pawns for maritime infringements, provocations, and sensational propaganda, putting them in an awkward position and without any regard for their livelihoods and safety. These hypocritical and cold-blooded individuals also made unfounded accusations against China. Facts speak louder than words, and justice prevails in people’s heart. China remains unwavering in its resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and is committed to working with regional countries to foster a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation in the South China Sea.