China's Defense Ministry on Thursday urged the Philippine side to stop relying on external forces to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, stressing that "such a scheme will prove self-defeating and fruitless".

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in an online news briefing in response to recent comments from the Philippine side.

The Philippine Navy reportedly claimed that China might be taking advantage of the international attention on the conflict in the Middle East, citing a so-called escalation of harassment activities in the South China Sea as proof. Additionally, the Philippine National Maritime Council condemned the Chinese side for so-called dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels and personnel in the South China Sea.

Zhang noted that recently, the Philippine side has intruded into the airspace over and the waters adjacent to China's Huangyan Island and the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands, deliberately charged into the exercise and training zones of the Chinese side, and even closed in on Chinese vessels in a dangerous manner.

"It has repeatedly committed rights violations and harassing acts against China, increasing factors of insecurity and instability in the Asia-Pacific region," he said.

Zhang stressed that the Chinese side remains unwavering in its resolve to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

"We will continue to take resolute countermeasures against any rights violations and provocations," he said.