China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said on Tuesday that China has made "solemn representations" to the Philippines over the additional ships sent to Huangyan Island by the Philippine side.

Liu made the remarks when asked to comment on the Philippines' action of sending maritime vessel EDSA2 and a ship from the country's fisheries and aquaculture bureau to the area.

He said China urged the Philippines to take positive steps to restore peace and harmony in the waters off Huangyan Island.