Philippines urged not to stir public opinion

BEIJING - A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Thursday urged the Philippine side to stop making remarks that will instigate the public opinion.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on Philippine President Benigno Aquino's recent remarks on Huangyan Island.

Aquino said Wednesday that the Philippine Air Force will soon fly over Huangyan Island to check the situation in the area.

Hong said the Philippine warships' harassment of Chinese fishermen in early April singlehandedly caused the Huangyan Island incident, and the Philippines' tough, high-profile stance on the issue continued to heighten tensions after the incident.

Tensions have eased recently, and the two sides are making efforts to repair bilateral relations, he said.

China hopes the Philippine side will do more to help the development of bilateral ties and refrain from stirring public opinion, so as to safeguard the recovery of bilateral ties, he said.