China urges Philippines to 'immediately stop provocative activities'

China's foreign ministry defended its coast guard, saying they had carried out law enforcement activities and "their actions are understandable" after the Philippines accused them of illegally seizing fishing equipment near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, sparking a fresh spat with Beijing.

Being also accused Philippine military aircraft of invading Chinese airspace in another disputed section of the sea and urged Manila to "immediately stop illegal provocative activities".