The Chinese Embassy in Manila has urged the Philippines to stop what it described as “provocations” in the West Philippine Sea, while warning that Beijing will take “strong measures” to protect its territorial claims.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, April 5, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said China will “never allow the Philippine side to act recklessly” and will continue to act “in accordance with the law” to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights.

Ji also called on the Philippines to “immediately cease maritime infringement and provocation” and return to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation.

“The Philippine side should demonstrate sincerity, match words with deeds, immediately cease maritime infringement and provocation, stop hyping up the maritime situation, and return to the correct track of resolving maritime issues through dialogue and consultation,” he said.

Despite this, the Chinese official said Beijing remains open to negotiations, stressing that its position on resolving disputes has been “consistent and clear.”

“China’s position on handling disputes with the Philippines in the South China Sea is consistent and clear: it upholds resolving territorial and maritime disputes through negotiation, and properly managing differences and the maritime situation through dialogue,” Ji said.

“At present, China and the Philippines maintain communication on maritime-related issues through diplomatic channels,” he added.

Ji said both countries continue to maintain communication on maritime concerns.

The Chinese Embassy rejected Philippine allegations of aggressive actions at sea, including claims that a Chinese vessel used fire-control radar against a Philippine ship.

Ji said such accusations are “entirely fabricated” and were being used to “smear China” and mislead public opinion.

The Chinese official, in return, accused Philippine vessels and aircraft of repeatedly “provoking incidents” in disputed areas since March.

It cited incidents involving Philippine aircraft allegedly entering airspace over areas China refers to as Huangyan Dao and parts of the Nansha Qundao without permission.

Chinese forces, the embassy said, were deployed to “warn and expel” the aircraft.

Beijing also disputed a reported maritime incident involving a near collision, claiming a Philippine vessel made “unsafe and unprofessional” maneuvers near a Chinese naval ship.

It said the Chinese vessel took “professional and standard” actions to avoid an accident.

China reiterated its claim of sovereignty over disputed features and surrounding waters, saying its actions are consistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It accused the Philippines of violating international law and undermining maritime safety.

The embassy also criticized the Philippines for allegedly “fabricating facts,” but expressed confidence that these would not work with the international community.

“The Philippine side first engages in infringement and provocation against China and creates incidents, then fabricates facts and shifts the blame, demonstrating a lack of credibility,” Ji said. 

“The international community can clearly see through the Philippines’ attempts at cognitive manipulation. China will continue to base its position on facts and law, clarify its stance, present the truth, and resolutely counter smears and defamation against it,” he added.

Ji’s statement came in response to a recent declaration by the National Maritime Council condemning what it described as “aggressive and dangerous actions” by Chinese maritime forces in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine government cited several incidents in March, including alleged harassment of Filipino fisherfolk, dangerous maneuvers at sea, and the use of radar against a Philippine vessel.

Manila has maintained that its operations in the area are lawful and consistent with international law, including the 2016 arbitral ruling.