A Philippine flag flutters from BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999 and became a Philippine military detachment on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea March 29, 2014. (Reuters/Erik De Castro/File Photo/File Photo)
BEIJING — China urges the Philippine side to take China’s concerns seriously, stop dangerous maneuvers and stop creating more tension in the South China Sea, the foreign ministry said on Monday.
Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning’s comments came after China and the Philippines traded accusations over a collision in disputed waters of the South China Sea, and after Manila asked Beijing to stop provocations.
China will continue to take necessary measures following domestic and international law and firmly safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, Mao said.
– Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by Christopher Cushing
