China’s foreign ministry on Thursday renewed calls for the Philippines to cease “provocations” over the South China Sea.

“We once again advise the Philippine side to face up to the facts, keep its promises and return as soon as possible to the right track of resolving differences in the South China Sea through negotiations and consultations,” said spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a regular news briefing.

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The comments by Wang come after the Philippine foreign ministry said on Monday it would look into reports of "illegal and unlawful activities" by diplomatic officials, and take necessary action in line with existing laws and regulations.

Its statement, which did not mention China, followed Friday's call by the Philippine national security adviser for Chinese diplomats to be  expelled over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral about the South China Sea.

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(Production: Wang Shubing, Xiaoyu Yin)