China urges Philippines to stop provocations

China urged the Philippines to stop "malicious hyping and provocation" on territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

China's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the core reason of the two countries' disputes in the South China Sea was the Philippines' illegal occupation of some of China's islands since 1970s. The Philippine side conducted large-scale construction of military and civil facilities including airports, ports and barracks on those islands for many years.

According to Hua, the Philippines violated commitment, refused to drag away its stranded warship near the Ren'ai Reef and tried to consolidate it to seize the reef.

In 2013, the Philippines violated its commitment in the DOC and the consensus reached by the two sides by unilaterally filing an arbitration case, according to China's (Xinhua) News Agency.

China does not recognize the so-called "status quo" that some Chinese islands in the South China Sea were illegally occupied by the Philippines, Hua said, urging the country to stop construction on the islands and withdraw all people and facility.

Hua noted that China will firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Meanwhile, China has always been ready to find a solution to disputes through direct negotiation with relevant countries.

She urged the Philippines to stop provocation, and work with China and most of ASEAN members to jointly maintain the peace and stability in the South China Sea.