Manila's latest provocation 'risky, futile'

China urged the Philippines to refrain from "making risky and futile provocations" in the South China Sea, a defense spokesman said on Thursday.

Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a news conference in Beijing in response to the recent comments and actions by some Philippine politicians on the South China Sea issue.

"Actions that violate the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and undermine regional peace and stability are not welcomed. We urge the Philippine side not to have illusions and miscalculations and stop making any risky and futile provocations," said the spokesman.