China Urges the Philippines to Cease Provoking Tensions in the South China Sea

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the Philippine side on Monday to "seriously consider its concerns, halt dangerous maneuvers, and stop stirring up further tensions in the South China Sea." This statement was made by the ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, following a mutual exchange of accusations between China and the Philippines regarding a collision incident in contested waters in the South China Sea, after Manila requested Beijing to stop its provocations. Mao stated that Beijing "will continue to take necessary actions according to local and international law and will firmly protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights."