China tells Philippines to stop “provocation” after South China Sea issue

BEIJING (Reuters) – China on Monday urged the Philippines not to challenge its efforts to “safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests” after vessels from the two countries clashed near disputed islands in the South China Sea.

China calls on the Philippines to immediately stop “violations and provocations,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing.

China and the Philippines traded accusations on Sunday over a maritime confrontation near Sandy Cay, a coral reef within the Spratly Islands.