China said on Friday its sovereignty over Huangyan Dao is undisputed and that it has the legitimate right to carry out activities, including scientific research, around the island.

Huangyan Dao is an inherent part of China's territory, and China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference.

Mao said any activities conducted by China around Huangyan Dao, including scientific expeditions, are the legitimate rights of a sovereign state.