China urges Philippines to cease its "farces" in South China Sea

A Chinese defense spokesperson on Friday urged the Philippines to give up its "unrealistic illusions" and cease its "farces" in the South China Sea.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to the recent illegal intrusion of Philippine vessels into waters adjacent to the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, as well as a Philippine defense official's recent groundless claims about the Philippines' sovereignty over Huangyan Dao and Nansha Qundao.

The China Coast Guard (CCG) has responded to the incident and released video clips of the friction. The fact is crystal clear, and the Philippine side has no ground to justify or deny its intrusion, provocations and wrongdoings, Zhang said.

"As we all know, the scope of Philippine territories has been defined by a series of international treaties. China’s Huangyan Dao and Nansha Qundao are not within its scope. The Philippines’ Defense Secretary deliberately distorted historical and legal facts to justify infringements and provocations of the Philippine side. It is totally groundless and will not work," he said.

"We urge the Philippine side to give up unrealistic illusions, and stop putting on self-staged farces at sea or orchestrating propaganda. The Chinese side will continue to take resolute measures to firmly safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," he added.

Oil prices climbed on Thursday.

The West Texas Intermediate for January delivery increased by 72 cents, or 1.22 percent, to settle at 59.67 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for February delivery went up 59 cents, or 0.94 percent, to settle at 63.26 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.