FUJIAN, China—Beijing's top diplomat in Manila protested the Philippines' presence in the West Philippine Sea when he responded to the government's summons following two consecutive water cannon attacks by China on Filipino vessels.

Citing the state news agency Xinhua, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said Ambassador Huang Xilian on Monday, Dec. 11, met with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro to lodge representations and protest the Philippines' supposed infringement and provocation in waters near Ayungin and Second Thomas Shoals.

During the meeting, Huang maintained China's claim over the features and that Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty" over them and the waters.

Huang was summoned by the government after China's Coast Guard and militia vessels had fired water cannons on civilian ships conducting a humanitarian mission to Filipino fishermen and a resupply mission to grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Meanwhile, a foreign ministry official here blamed the Philippines for the escalation of tension in the waters by saying it was Manila's unfulfilled promise that caused it.

Mao Ning, spokesperson for the ministry, said Monday the responsibility for the "emergencies" in the waters lies with the Philippines, which she said was fanned by the US.

"The root cause is that the Philippines has broken its promise and refused to tow away the illegally grounded warship at the reef and tried to reinforce it in an attempt to permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao," she said.

The Philippines already denied making such a promise, with President Marcos even saying the Philippines would be recanting it if there was any.

Mao justified the firing of water cannon after she said the entry of Philippine vessels into China's supposed territorial waters despite warnings from Chinese authorities prompted the attack to happen.

The Philippines was operating within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which China has been claiming to be its own, when the incident occured.

The Philippines "has also been spreading disinformation to hype up the incidents," Mao added, noting that "this gravely violates international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and seriously infringes on China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."

The official said the US, "out of selfish geopolitical calculations," has been conniving with the Philippines and emboldening the latter's actions.

"The US has been fanning disputes, misrepresenting facts, stoking confrontation and undermining regional peace and stability," she said.

"China will continue to take necessary steps in accordance with domestic and international laws to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," she added.

Mao also invited the Philippines to a dialogue, assuring that Beijing is committed to enhance its communications with Manila. This is a promise already questioned by the DFA , considering that the agreed communication mechanism to address immediate maritime concerns was not properly utilized during another water cannon attack in the past.

"The ball is now with the Philippine side. We hope the Philippines will face up to the root cause of the issue, stop making provocations and creating trouble, and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea," she added.