China's embassy in the Philippines has blamed "some external countries" for stoking tensions in the region, in remarks aimed at Japan after its ambassador stressed the need for peace and stability in the South China Sea.
China was criticized by the Philippines and the United States this week after Manila said there were about 220 vessels likely manned by Chinese maritime militia anchored in disputed waters.
"Within our region tensions are rising because some external countries are bent on playing fusty geopolitical games," the Chinese Embassy said on Twitter.