China attributed on Thursday the escalating deterioration in bilateral relations on the actions and remarks of a small group within the Philippine military, including a spokesperson from the Philippine Coast Guard, labeling them as "the primary instigators behind the spiraling decline".

Speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reiterated China's call for the Philippine side to promptly mitigate the negative effects of these actions to avoid further disruption of normal diplomatic communication and prevent additional harm to bilateral ties.

"We also advise the small group mentioned above to immediately cease their provocative actions, stop attacking and defaming China, and end their collusion with anti-China forces outside the region. Otherwise, they will inevitably face consequences for their despicable conduct," Guo said.