Beijing accuses Manila of trying to smear China's actions in the South China Sea

A Chinese defense spokesperson accused the Philippines on Friday of repeatedly attempting to smear China's legitimate rights-protection actions in the South China Sea, while trying to cover up its own unlawful infringements and provocations.

Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang made the remarks at an online news conference in response to a report recently released by the Philippine Navy. The report claimed that the Chinese Navy, Coast Guard and "maritime militia" have been working in coordination to strengthen China's effective control in the South China Sea.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and their adjacent waters, and enjoys sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters," Zhang said.

"It is only natural, legitimate and beyond reproach for China to take actions to safeguard its lawful rights and interests," he stressed.

Zhang said the Philippine side has been going to great lengths to smear China's rights-protection actions in an attempt to mislead public opinion and cover up its own unlawful infringements, provocations and acts of creating trouble, something he called the international community "sees clearly".

"We urged the Philippines not to misjudge China's resolve and will to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and to stop fabricating false narratives and undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea," the spokesman said.