The Philippines' claim that China has laid 30 concrete building blocks on Huangyan Island is a "sheer fabrication", the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei on Wednesday reiterated that China has undisputed sovereignty over the Huangyan Islands and neighboring sea.
China is strengthening its offshore law enforcement capacity, with three provinces and one autonomous region launching their first joint patrol on Wed. Special: Huangyan Island Situation
China on Thursday again urged the Philippines to cease all provocative activities, and show its sincerity in conducting serious diplomatic dialogues with China.
Beijing has endorsed Manila's decision to resume diplomatic contact with the Chinese embassy in Manila, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
Fruit from the Philippines will receive stricter inspections for harmful organisms at Chinese borders.
The controversy over a tiny island in the South China Sea has intensified, making it the most serious standoff between China and the Philippines in the sea in recent years.
Beijing warned Manila that it is "hard to be optimistic" about the impasse over Huangyan Island, and said it is prepared for any escalation of the situation.
Embassy issues safety alert in Philippines
It belongs to China: Philippine media
The Philippines' sovereignty claim over Huangyan Island is "illegal" and against basic principles of international relations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said here Friday.
The withdrawal of the two ships proves once again China is not escalating the situation as some people said, but de-escalating the situation.
China on Monday urged the Philippines to withdraw all of its vessels from Huangyan Island area to restore peace and stability in the region.
China urges the Philippines to work together with the Chinese side to appropriately address a confrontation off the coast of Huangyan Island, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said Friday.