China urges Philippines to stop provocation in South China Sea

Beijing: China's foreign ministry on Friday urged the Philippines to immediately stop "infringement and provocation" in the South China Sea or face China's "resolute response."

The remarks came a day after Beijing and Manila traded accusations following a confrontation between two of their vessels in contested waters of the South China Sea.

It was legitimate for China to take necessary measures, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily press conference on Friday, defending the Chinese coast guard's response to the Philippine ships.

The China Coast Guard on Thursday said it took "control measures" against Philippine ships and confirmed a collision occurred between the two sides' vessels.

The US ambassador to Manila, MaryKay Carlson, described China's actions as aggressive and, in a post on X on Thursday, said they "recklessly endangered lives and threaten regional stability."