China's coast guard said it recently carried out routine law enforcement training in waters near Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, and accused the Philippines of sending vessels into the area to provoke incidents.

Liu Dejun, a spokesperson for the China Coast Guard, said the drills were conducted within waters under China's jurisdiction and that a navigation safety notice had been issued in advance, according to a statement released by Chinese authorities.

During the operation, Liu said, the Philippines "organized a large number of vessels" that entered the training zone under the pretext of fishing, in what he described as an attempt to stir up trouble, attract international attention and "smear" China.

"We warn the Philippine side to immediately stop its provocations and hyping," Liu said.

He added that the China Coast Guard will continue to carry out law enforcement activities in the waters around Huangyan Island in accordance with the law, and will "resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."