China tells Philippines not to 'stir up trouble' in disputed area
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Webin on Tuesday warned Philippine authorities to avoid creating more serious problems in the disputed area in the South China Sea, after the Philippine Coast Guard eliminated the floating barrier set up by China with the aim of stopping Philippine fishing boats from entering the contested waters.
"China firmly upholds the sovereignty and maritime rights and interests of the Huangyan island," the official said. "We advise the Philippines not to provoke or stir up trouble," he stated.
On the other hand, a Philippine official assured that there were no signals of confrontation with China in the disputed maritime area and that the Chinese coast guard officers even cleared the remaining parts of the floating barrier.