Chinese Embassy in Manila has demanded the United States to stop interfering in maritime issues between the Philippines and China, accusing them of "sowing discord and fueling tensions."

"The US and certain countries are not parties to the South China Sea issue and have no right to interfere in maritime matters between China and the Philippines. They should stop provoking confrontation in the South China Sea and cease actions that undermine regional stability and exacerbate tensions," the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said in a statement on Tuesday night, Aug. 20.

China made the statement following the latest incident in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese Coast Guard vessels "rammed and damaged" Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels on Aug. 19 in the vicinity of Escoda Shoal.

This was, however, refuted by China, saying PCG vessels deliberately collided with its vessels.

The Chinese Embassy further questioned the motives of US in promptly issuing statements over the incident, which the embassy labeled as "inflammatory statements."

"On what factual basis and 'concrete evidence' are their stance and their accusations against China founded? How did they so swiftly determine right from wrong? Are they self-appointed judges and juries? These countries unabashedly claim to uphold a 'rules-based order'," the Chinese Embassy said.

It underscored that the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), after 22 years of repeated practice, "has become an internationally recognized and integral part of the legal order in the South China Sea."

The embassy stressed that under Article 5 of the DOC, "parties should exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability."

"As an uninhabited reef, Xianbin Jiao should remain unoccupied and without facilities—are they not aware of this? And if they genuinely care about peace and stability in the South China Sea, why do they persist in sowing discord and fueling tensions?" the embassy said.

The Chinese Embassy also urged the Philippines "refrain from taking actions that may complicate the situation, and work with China to get the situation at sea under control."

China, the embassy added, is committed to handling maritime disputes with the Philippines properly through dialogue and consultation.

"We hope the Philippines will honor its commitment, earnestly observe the understandings and arrangement reached with China, refrain from taking actions that may complicate the situation, and work with China to get the situation at sea under control," the embassy said.