China Urges Philippines to Halt “Provocations” After South China Sea Clash.

China has urged the Philippines to not challenge its efforts to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, after vessels from the two countries clashed near disputed islands in the South China Sea.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson of the foreign ministry, confirmed this at a regular press briefing, urging the Philippines to immediately stop violations and provocations.

This comes as China and the Philippines, traded accusations on Sunday over a maritime confrontation near Sandy Cay, a coral reef within the Spratly Islands.