BEIJING, Jan. 28 -- Chinese people from the mainland and Taiwan have a shared responsibility to protect the Nansha Islands, a spokesperson said on Thursday following Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou's trip to the Taiping Island in the South China Sea.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the comment when asked about Ma's trip at a regular news briefing, describing the Nansha Islands as "patrimony" of the Chinese nation.

"Nansha Islands have been China's territory since ancient times," Hua said, adding China has been working to make South China Sea a place of peace, friendship and cooperation.

"China will continue efforts to protect navigation freedom, peace and stability, prosperity and development in the South China Sea," Hua added.

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Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou visits Taiping Island

Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou on Thursday visited Taiping Island, the largest of the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea, to meet personnel and deliver a speech ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year.