Whenever China and the Philippines are set to engage, certain forces stir up maritime issues, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday, noting that the hidden hand behind the scenes is clear to all.

(Screenshot of video from Global Times)

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to the Philippines' deliberate provocation and assault on Chinese Coast Guard law enforcement officers at Ren'ai Jiao on Monday.

"I have just set out China's solemn position and the incident was entirely a deliberate provocation by the Philippine military personnel," Lin said, pointing out that every time China and the Philippines are poised to engage in communication or whenever there is an important diplomatic agenda, certain forces step in to stir up trouble by hyping up maritime issues.

"Who is right and who is wrong in this matter? Who is pulling the strings behind the scenes? I believe everyone can see the truth clearly," Lin said. "China's neighborhood diplomacy policy remains consistent and unchanged."

Lin also said East Asia's cooperation platform is not the place to discuss bilateral maritime disputes. He called on the Philippines to fulfill its responsibilities as Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) rotating chair by promoting dialogue and cooperation rather than putting political interests above peace and stability.