BEIJING, Nov. 7 -- "China will neither tolerate the blackmail by those who provoke first and play the victim, nor indulge the provocation by those who stir up troubles in collusion with outside powers," said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a press briefing on Friday.

Jiang Bin made the remarks when asked to comment on the media reports that the Philippines continuously rallied countries outside the region to conduct joint patrols and military exercises in the South China Sea, and it clamored for establishing a so-called task force to deal with China's "coercive" behavior.

"We hold that defense and security cooperation between relevant countries should neither target or harm the interests of any third party, nor undermine regional peace and stability. The root cause for tensions in the South China Sea is that the Philippine side frequently draws in outside forces to conduct infringement and provocation," the spokesperson stated.

He pointed out that the historical context and the rights and wrongs of the South China Sea issue are clear. China rejects any unfounded accusations that propagate false narratives and distort legal facts, and will not give up efforts to uphold peace, stability and development through coordination.

"China stands firm and resolute in safeguarding our territorial sovereignty and protecting our maritime rights and interests. We urge the Philippine side to stop undermining joint efforts by regional countries in pursuing peace and development, and cease its infringement, provocation and propaganda. Otherwise, the higher it jumps, the harder it will fall," the spokesperson added.