​​China said there is nothing to worry about its new Coast Guard regulation on detention of anyone who is found  trespassing into its waters as long as he or she has "not done anything illicit."

Wang Wenbin, spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, made the pronouncement as Beijing came out with a new regulation that would allow its maritime authorities to interrogate and detain for up to 60 days foreigners who will commit illegal entry or exit into its territorial waters.

The new regulation was announced at a time when there was renewed tension in the disputed waters. 

China's new regulation concerned some in the Philippines as it continues to assert its illegal claim over the West Philippine Sea, where Philippine troops navigate and Filipino fishers fish.

Wang gave an assurance that it is just "consistent with universal practices."

"The regulations are rolled out by China Coast Guard to standardize the administrative law-enforcement procedures of Coast Guard agencies and better uphold order at sea," he said.

Meanwhile, Wang also blamed the Philippines for the huge destruction of coral reefs in Pag-Asa Island.

He claimed that the Philippines' supposed illegal occupation of the island and its activities there caused the destruction.

"If any environmental degradation appears in those waters, it is the Philippines who needs to reflect on its behavior, instead of wrongly accusing China," Wang said.