BEIJING – Certain countries should stop meddling in maritime affairs in China's neighborhood and earnestly respect regional countries' efforts to safeguard peace and stability, Beijing said on Wednesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a question regarding members of the so-called Quad, who voiced concerns over the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea in remarks clearly targeting China.

"The situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea is generally stable," Mao said, adding that those who attempt to patch up small groupings, hype up tensions and stoke confrontation will find no support. 

Dutch warship's provocative acts  

A Chinese military spokesperson on Wednesday condemned the provocative acts by a Dutch Navy vessel, urging the Dutch side to immediately stop its violations and provocations.

Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, said that the vessel, Dutch Navy frigate De Ruyter, illegally trespassed into China's Xisha Qundao in the South China Sea and conducted multiple shipborne helicopter operations violating China's territorial airspace.

In response, the PLA Southern Theater Command organized maritime and air forces to take necessary measures in accordance with laws and regulations to expel and drive away the trespassing vessel, according to Zhai.