China to take resolute countermeasures against troublemakers in South China Sea: spokesman

China will take resolute countermeasures against those creating troubles in the South China Sea, a Chinese defense ministry spokesman said in Beijing on Saturday.

Wu Qian, the spokesman, made the remarks in response to a media query about the statement from a Philippine National Maritime Council spokesperson who affirmed that the Philippines will not leave the waters of Xianbin Jiao of the Nansha Qundao in the South China Sea and will continue to conduct patrols and supply missions.

In addition, concerning China's actions towards Philippine activities in the South China Sea, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated the U.S. firm commitment to the Philippines during a phone call with the Philippine Defense Secretary.

"The Nansha Qundao, including the Xianbin Jiao, have always been China's territory. China conducts law enforcement activities in the relevant waters to safeguard its rights in a justified, lawful, and professional manner. The United States is not a party to the issue of the South China Sea and is in no position to interfere in the maritime issues between China and the Philippines. Further more, the U.S. must not use the mutual treaty to justify the violation of China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. The current situation regarding the South China Sea issue has been escalating and recurring. The root cause can be attributed to the Philippines' repeated infringements, provocations, and risk-taking, along with the continuous fanning of flames and stoking of confrontations by the U.S.," Wu said.

"I want to emphasize that regardless of who creates troubles in the South China Sea, infringing upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, China will take resolute countermeasures with strong and effective measures," he said.

China to take resolute countermeasures against troublemakers in South China Sea: spokesman

China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday held lantern fairs to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, while a spectacular drone show illuminated the night sky above the Victoria Harbor.

The festival is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which fell on Sept 17 this year. It is a traditionally cherished occasion for family reunions, when family members share mooncakes and light lanterns.

A bright and gorgeous lantern fair combining elements of traditional Chinese culture and the unique style of Hong Kong was held on Tuesday night in Hong Kong's Victoria Park, where local residents and tourists can not only learn about the process of making a handcrafted lantern, but also participate in diversified activities like guessing lantern riddles.

During the festival, traditional folk activities including lantern fairs were held across Hong Kong, creating strong festive atmosphere and attracting flocks of residents and tourists.

"We have come to Victoria Park today to feel the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival. [The lanterns] are quite beautiful and gorgeous," said Liu, a local resident.

At around 20:00 on Tuesday, a splendid drone show illuminated the night sky above the Victoria Harbor, with more than 1,000 drones forming patterns of rabbits, lanterns and mooncakes, conveying festive blessings to people in Hong Kong.

"This year's lanterns are more beautiful than ever before. Meanwhile, the drone shows are getting more and more exciting each time, as we can see that the patterns and technologies are constantly improving. At the same time, the National Day is approaching. I would like to wish our country a happy birthday, and I wish the motherland prosperity and the people a better life," said Ko Chung Kit, another local resident.

Hong Kong holds lantern fairs, drone show to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival