BEIJING, Feb. 10 -- China on Tuesday urged the Philippine side to stop its unscrupulous political manipulation and self-directed farce at sea.

Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), made the remarks at a press briefing in response to recent remarks regarding the so-called New Hero-Fisherfolk initiative.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson reportedly said that in order to advance the so-called New Hero-Fisherfolk initiative, the PCG had deployed vessels and aircraft to provide security for the Philippine fishing boats operating near Huangyan Dao, protecting the Philippines' sovereign rights and the livelihoods of its fishermen.

"Huangyan Dao is part of China's territory and has never been within the limits of Philippine territory," said Spokesperson Jiang.

He pointed out that certain authorities of the Philippine side trick and instigate innocent fishermen into committing provocative acts, using them as a tool to infringe upon China's legitimate rights, and even deliberately create friction to scapegoat and smear China. Such treacherous behaviors have fully betrayed their disregard for the livelihoods, well-being, or even the safety of these fishermen.

"China urges the Philippine side to stop its unscrupulous political manipulation and self-directed farce at sea," said the spokesperson. "China will continue to exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction over Huangyan Dao and its adjacent waters in accordance with law, and resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."