China urges relevant countries to stop stirring up trouble in South China Sea: spokesman

China urged relevant countries to stop stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on Friday in Beijing.

Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing, responding to the so-called joint patrol conducted by the Philippines in the South China Sea in collusion with countries outside of the region on Wednesday.

The spokesman reaffirmed China's commitment to safeguarding territorial sovereignty and urged them to refrain from such dangerous action.

"The so-called joint patrols and military show-offs by certain countries in the South China Sea only heighten tensions and undermine regional stability. China is resolute in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. We urge relevant countries to stop forming gangs and creating trouble in the South China Sea and refrain from undermining regional peace and stability," Guo said.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command has responded to the issue, according to the spokesman.

China urges relevant countries to stop stirring up trouble in South China Sea: spokesman

China urges relevant countries to stop stirring up trouble in South China Sea: spokesman

China urges relevant countries to stop stirring up trouble in South China Sea: spokesman

China urges relevant countries to stop stirring up trouble in South China Sea: spokesman

Hong Kong's stock market declined on Friday with the benchmark Hang Seng Index down 0.29 percent to close at 26,844.96 points.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index lost 0.50 percent to end at 9,220.81 points, and the Hang Seng Tech Index edged down 0.11 percent to 5,822.18 points.

Hong Kong stocks close lower