China, flexing its muscles over the simmering South China Sea dispute, today asked the Philippines to cease all provocative acts and said the seizure of a reef by the country's marines was unacceptable.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing here that China's determination and will to safeguard its national sovereignty is unswerving.
Hua's comments came after a Philippine security official said on Wednesday that the country had deployed a fresh batch of marines and supplies to Ren'ai Reef.
China has indisputable sovereignty over the disputed Islands and its surrounding waters, which include Ren'ai Reef, she said.
Hua urged the Philippines to cease all provocative acts and work together with China to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.
China's claims that most of the South China Sea belonged to it. Beijing's claim is disputed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei besides Taiwan.
