This file photo taken in 2016 shows Chinese H-6K bomber patrolling islands and reefs including Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BEIJING - A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Monday slammed the Philippines' claim of Chinese fishermen using cyanide on Huangyan Island, saying it is sheer fabrication.

It is reported that the spokesperson of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Philippines on Feb 17 claimed that Chinese fishermen have been using cyanide in Huangyan Island to intentionally destroy the traditional fishing grounds of Filipino fishermen.

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"This claim is sheer fabrication," spokesperson Mao Ning said when asked to comment on the claim.

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Mao said China has indisputable sovereignty over Huangyan Island and its adjacent waters. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the protection of eco-environment and conservation of fishing resource and resolutely fights against fishing activities that violate laws and regulations.