A bird view of Huangyan Island. [File photo]

China urged the Philippines not to exacerbate the current situation in the South China Sea, according to a spokesman to the Foreign Ministry at a routine press briefing on Monday.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remark at a regular press briefing while commenting on the establishment of a Philippine kindergarten on Zhongye Island in the South China Sea.

Hong said tensions around the island are easing, and Chinese government vessels maintain jurisdiction and vigilance over the waters around Huangyan Island, in response to?a question that whether Chinese ships have?left Huangyan Island.

"China opposes any illegal activity that may infringe on China's sovereignty," he said.

Hong said he hopes relevant countries will abide by the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea which China and Asean countries signed in 2002.