China urges Philippines to stop 'political manipulation' in South China Sea

China's Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday urged the Philippine side to stop its "unscrupulous political manipulation and self-directed farce" in the South China Sea.

Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks in an online news briefing in response to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The agency's spokesperson reportedly said that to advance the so-called New Hero-Fisherfolk initiative, the PCG has deployed vessels and aircraft to provide security for Philippine fishing boats operating near Huangyan Island, protecting the Philippines' sovereign rights and the livelihoods of its fishermen.

Jiang said Huangyan Island is part of China's territory and has never been within the limits of Philippine territory.

"Certain authorities of the Philippine side trick and instigate innocent fishermen into committing provocative acts, using them as a tool to infringe upon China's legitimate rights, and even deliberately create friction to scapegoat and smear China," he said.

"Such treacherous behaviors have fully betrayed their disregard for the livelihoods, well-being, or even the safety of fishermen," Jiang added, urging the Philippine side to stop its unscrupulous political manipulation and self-directed farce at sea.

China will continue to exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Island and its adjacent waters in accordance with law, and resolutely defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the spokesman said.