MANILA — The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Sunday called on the Philippines to halt what it described as “provocations” in the West Philippine Sea, warning that Beijing will take “strong measures” to protect its territorial claims.

In a Facebook post, embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said China will “never allow the Philippine side to act recklessly” and will continue to act “in accordance with the law” to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights.

“The Philippine side should demonstrate sincerity, match words with deeds, immediately cease maritime infringement and provocation, stop hyping up the maritime situation, and return to the correct track of resolving maritime issues through dialogue and consultation,” Ji said.

He added that China remains open to negotiations, stressing that its position on dispute resolution has been “consistent and clear.”

“China’s position on handling disputes with the Philippines in the South China Sea is consistent and clear: it upholds resolving territorial and maritime disputes through negotiation, and properly managing differences and the maritime situation through dialogue,” Ji said.

China also rejected Philippine claims of aggressive actions at sea, including reports that a Chinese vessel used fire-control radar against a Philippine ship. Ji called such allegations “entirely fabricated” and accused the Philippines of repeatedly provoking incidents in disputed areas since March.

The embassy cited Philippine aircraft allegedly entering areas China calls Huangyan Dao and parts of the Nansha Qundao without permission, and said Chinese forces were deployed to “warn and expel” them.

Beijing also disputed a reported near-collision at sea, claiming the Philippine vessel made “unsafe and unprofessional” maneuvers while Chinese forces acted “professionally and according to standard procedures.”

The embassy reiterated China’s sovereignty claims over disputed features and surrounding waters, asserting that its actions comply with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and accused the Philippines of undermining maritime safety.

“The Philippine side first engages in infringement and provocation against China and creates incidents, then fabricates facts and shifts the blame, demonstrating a lack of credibility,” Ji said. “The international community can clearly see through the Philippines’ attempts at cognitive manipulation. China will continue to base its position on facts and law, clarify its stance, present the truth, and resolutely counter smears and defamation against it.”

The statement came after the National Maritime Council condemned what it described as “aggressive and dangerous actions” by Chinese maritime forces, citing incidents in March including harassment of Filipino fisherfolk, risky maneuvers, and alleged use of radar against Philippine vessels.

The Philippine government has maintained that its operations in the area are lawful and consistent with international law, including the 2016 arbitral ruling.