China urges Philippines to stop South China Sea allegations

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian. - Xinhua

BEIJING (Xinhua): China urges the Philippines to stop baseless allegations on the South China Sea issue, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday (April 5).

It was reported that Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana urged the Chinese vessels that are still around the Niu'e Reef to leave early.

Philippine Foreign Ministry also said that, based on the South China Sea arbitration and so-called award, the Philippines denies that the Niu'e Reef and its adjacent waters are traditional fishing grounds for Chinese fishermen.