Beijing has urged Manila to immediately stop infringements and provocations, and avoid challenging China's firm resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Lin Jian, a spokesman for the ministry, blasted the Philippines' criticism of a "high-risk" maneuvre by a Chinese vessel near Huangyan Island in an incident involving warships from the two navies.

Relevant remarks ignore the facts and distort right and wrong, Lin said at a regular news briefing.

China took necessary measures to deal with the Philippine military vessel's attempt to intrude into China's territorial waters near Huangyan Island, which is China's inherent territory, Lin said.

The measures are "justified, lawful, professional and restraint", Lin said, stressing that Manila's frequent infringement of rights and provocations at the sea are the root cause of tensions.

?