MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday dismissed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s claim that recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) were part of a “theater staged under the direction of other countries.”

“The Philippines disagrees with the recent remarks of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi characterizing the developments and incidents in the South China Sea as mere theatre staged under the direction of other countries,” the DFA said in a statement.

The Philippine government asserted that its actions in the contested waters are based on national interests and not influenced by external forces.

“China should recognize that the Philippines is an independent and sovereign state whose actions and decisions are driven entirely by national interest and the interests and well-being of the Filipino people,” it said.

The DFA also emphasized that the real issue at hand is China’s continued defiance of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims over the South China Sea.

“No creative analogy or play of words will mask the real issue, which is China’s refusal to abide by international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the adverse effects of China’s disregard for the rules-based international order on Filipino communities genuinely affected by China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive behavior at sea,” the DFA added.

Amid rising tensions, the Philippines urged restraint and responsible diplomacy in the region.

“We call on countries to be circumspect and to avoid actions and words that only contribute to tensions in the region,” the statement read.