A Philippine media report has quoted the country's foreign affairs secretary as saying that some countries are helping the Philippines establish a "minimum credible defense posture", to complement its diplomatic capacity in dealing with territorial disputes with China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei, has reiterated China's stance and voiced "firm opposition" to the Philippines' decision to involve a third party in the Huangyan Island dispute.

Hong Lei, spokesman of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said, "Huangyan Island is an inherent part of China's territory. China has consistently used diplomatic means to urge the Philippines to correct its mistakes and ease the situation. The Philippines' decision to draw a third party into the incident will further escalate the situation and even change the nature of the issue. China firmly opposes it."