The Philippine government on Thursday, April 18, told China "to reflect upon its own actions" in the West Philippine Sea as it did not let pass Beijing's claim that it is the Philippines that is provoking tension in the waters.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued yet another strong position after China called out the upcoming Balikatan Exercise, the largest war games, between Philippine and American troops.

China even urged the Philippines to stop handing "over one’s security to forces outside the region" as doing so "will only lead to greater insecurity and turn oneself into someone else’s chess piece."

"The Philippines needs to be fully aware that when countries outside the region are brought into the South China Sea to flex muscles and stoke confrontation, tensions could get worse and the region will only become less stable," Lin Jian, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said Wednesday.

In response, the Philippines asserted that "the source of tension in our region is well known to all."

"It is China's excessive maritime claims and aggressive behavior, including its militarization of reclaimed features, that are undermining regional peace and stability and raising tensions," it said.

The Philippines also said China's repeated reference to US' military assistance to the country as "cold war" only sensationalizes "the situation and misrepresent the peaceful purpose of the trilateral cooperation."

"Nevertheless, those who wish to invoke the lessons of the past should also recall the need for adherence to the rule of law and how peace and stability has been maintained in our region through observance and respect for international law," the DFA added.

The Philippines, likewise, said there is nothing wrong with the recent trilateral summit among President Marcos, US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as it gave the Philippines, the US and Japan the opportunity to build robust bilateral ties, expand their economic cooperation, and reaffirm proud and resolute commitment to their shared fundamental values.

"The trilateral cooperation is a partnership and a cooperative framework for the promotion of peace, stability and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," it said.

The Philippines said that it is rather "an admirable aspiration that should not be considered a threat by any peace-loving country."

The event is also a response to the Philippines' development needs and a platform to promote regional peace and security.

"It is only reasonable and responsible that the participants discuss regional security issues of mutual concern, challenges to the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of outstanding disputes," it said.

The Philippines said it is its sovereign choice and decision to strengthen alliance with partners, in accordance with our national interests and in line with our independent foreign policy.

"Our actions are in line with international law and complement our commitments in other regional and multilateral forums," it added.