BEIJING - A Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday that the country's use of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, over Huangyan Island, the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters is "justified and legal," and warned that China opposes any military provocation in the South China Sea.

Yang Yujun made the remarks at a monthly press briefing in response to comments by a Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman that Chinese drones may be shot at if they enter the above-mentioned airspace.

China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island, the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, Yang responded.

"Therefore, Chinese aircraft' flying in the airspace in question is justified and legal," he said.

China's State Oceanic Administration said on Sunday that China will promote the use of drones to strengthen the nation's marine surveillance, and step up efforts to enhance its surveillance of the islands and islets including the Diaoyu and Huangyan.