China urged the Philippines to ''tow away the illegally 'grounded' warship as soon as possible so that peace and stability of the South China Sea will not be jeopardized.''

This was announced by China's foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday, a day after Philippine authorities said two Chinese vessels bumped a civilian boat and a Coast Guard boat in separate incidents at Ayungin Shoal.

The civilian vessels were contracted by the Philippine military to conduct a resupply mission to troops manning the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

China reiterated that the Philippines ''intruded'' into the area, which it says is Chinese territory being part of Nansha Oundao.

It reiterated that the Philippine ships ''went headlong towards Ren’ai Jiao’s lagoon and bumped dangerously with the CCG ships conducting law enforcement on the scene and the Chinese fishing vessels having normal fishing activities there.''

The foreign ministry spokesperson said '' the Philippines explicitly promised several times to tow away the military vessel deliberately and illegally 'grounded' at Ren’ai Jiao (China's name for Ayungin Shoal). ''

''However, 24 years have passed and instead of towing it away, the Philippines has sought to repair and reinforce it on a large scale in order to permanently occupy Ren’ai Jiao. China has shown extraordinary restraint and patience concerning Ren’ai Jiao,'' the spokesperson said.

''The Philippines, however, chose to ignore China’s goodwill and sincerity and has reneged on its own promise, kept sending vessels into the waters of Ren’ai Jiao, spreading disinformation and playing up the issue,'' the spokesperson said.

''The Philippines’ behavior seriously violated China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, breached international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and undermined regional peace and stability. We deplore and firmly oppose that,'' the spokesperson added. DMS