China urges Philippines to stop infringement activities, provocations

The Philippines must immediately stop infringing upon China's rights and stop the provocations and publicity stunts, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday.

Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when answering a query related to recent incidents in the waters of Huangyan Dao.

The China Coast Guard has set the record straight on the Philippine vessels' infringement activities and provocations in the waters of China's Huangyan Dao, Lin said.

Noting that Huangyan Dao has always been China's territory, Lin said relevant Philippine vessels deliberately intruded into the waters. "It's legitimate and lawful for China to take necessary measures to defend our rights and security. Our actions are professional, standard and beyond reproach," Lin added.

"Let me stress that the Philippines again brought reporters on board in its latest infringement activities and provocations and created tensions at sea by playing up the issue, proving itself to be the saboteur of the peace and stability in the South China Sea and the troublemaker in the region," he said.