China urges the Philippines to stop its infringements of China's maritime rights and interests, provocations, and its inflammatory publicity stunts, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Tuesday in response to the Philippines' recent claim that it had flagged China's floating structure in the South China Sea.

Lin told a daily press briefing in Beijing that Huangyan Island is an inherent part of China's territory and that China possesses indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters.

"Any activities China conducts on Huangyan Island, including scientific research, are the legitimate rights of a sovereign state," he said.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn