China's foreign ministry urged the Philippines to stop 'provocations' and to not challenge China's determination to safeguard its sovereignty on Tuesday (April 30), after a maritime incident in the West Philippine Sea.

Earlier, the Philippines accused China of damaging one of its boats in the disputed waters from the use of water cannons by two Chinese coast guard ships.

READ: China fires water cannon at Philippine vessels

"Philippine ships intruded without China's permission and the Chinese coast guard took necessary measures to drive them away," said Chinese ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, who was addressing a query on the matter.

No country has sovereignty over the strategically located Scarborough Shoal, a prime fishing patch used by several countries that is close to major shipping lanes. The shoal falls inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

China has occupied the atoll for more than a decade and waters around its lagoon, which has long been a sanctuary for vessels during storms, have been the site of multiple confrontations in recent years.

READ: US, EU, France condemn China’s latest water cannon attack vs PH