China called on the Philippines Friday to immediately stop what it described as infringing and provocative behavior, along with media hype, accusing Manila of deliberately manufacturing incidents to generate publicity in waters off Huangyan Dao that Beijing considers its own territory, according to China Daily.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the Philippines had once again brought journalists along to participate in what China views as unlawful activity, arguing that Manila had intentionally provoked confrontations at sea in order to exploit them for attention and stir up tensions.
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Speaking at a regular press briefing, Lin said the episode further demonstrates that the Philippines is acting as a disruptor of regional peace and stability, characterizing the country as a troublemaker in the South China Sea.
Lin reiterated Beijing’s position that Huangyan Dao is inherently Chinese territory, and said the measures China has taken to protect its rights and security in the area were reasonable and lawful. He added that Chinese personnel involved had conducted themselves in a professional and standard-compliant manner that he said was beyond reproach.
