THE Chinese Embassy in Manila called on the Philippine government to refrain from conducting provocative actions in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea. In a statement over the weekend, the embassy spokesman said China remains “committed to resolving disputes through negotiation and consultation.” It said it welcomed Manila’s proposal for the “peaceful management of differences and prevention of misunderstandings and miscalculations at sea.” “The Philippine side should translate what it proposes into concrete actions and stop provocative actions and hyping up maritime issues,” the embassy said. It said it is committed to managing differences through established rules and mechanisms, and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes through cooperation, while staying dedicated to building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. The embassy issued the statement in response to the remarks of the National Maritime Council (NMC) on the situation in the South China Sea. On Saturday, the council said the Philippines will continue to carry out lawful maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea to protect the country’s sovereignty and Filipino fisherfolk. The NMC reiterated the Philippines’ “clear and settled position” that its actions in the West Philippine Sea are lawful, responsible, and firmly anchored on international law,” citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and the 2016 ruling of an arbitral court that invalidated China’s expansive claim in the South China Sea, which encroached on the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). China continues to reject the arbitral ruling, saying it was illegal. The NMC said the Philippines’ lawful actions “should not be misrepresented as acts of aggression or provocation.” “Guided by these principles, the Philippines continues to pursue a policy of restraint, transparency, and respect for international law,” the council said. The NMC’s statement came after the Chinese Embassy claimed that Filipino fisherfolk are being used as “political tools to intrude into sensitive waters.”