BEIJING - China rejects Tuesday the Philippine's accusation on the South China Sea issue, urging the Philippine side to stop harming China's sovereignty and maritime rights.

"Chinese vessels were cruising and carrying out scientific studies in waters under China's jurisdiction, and their activities were in line with the law," Hong said.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said recently that the increasing activity of Chinese vessels on the South China Sea harmed the interests of Philippine fisherman, undermined the peace and stability of the region, violated maritime jurisdiction, and disobeyed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

In response to the Philippine accusation, Hong said China holds a long-term and consistent position on the South China Sea, and the position remains unchanged for centuries and is in accordance with international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"China asks the Philippine side to stop harming China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, which leads to unilateral actions that expand and complicate South China Sea disputes," he said. "The Philippine side should stop publishing irresponsible statements that do not match the facts."

Hong went on to say that China is willing to seek solutions to properly handle the dispute by directly consulting or negotiating with the Philippines. China is also willing to work with all sides involved to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to safeguard the stability of the sea by practical means and build it into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, Hong said.