China cannot accept the Philippines' claiming sovereignty over some islands in the South China Sea, a foreign ministry spokesman said Thursday.

"China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and adjacent waters," Hong Lei said at a regular news briefing.

Hong made the announcement when asked to respond to the Philippines' protests at the United Nations over some of China's positions in the South China Sea.

Media reports said the Philippines had filed a note with the United Nations, claiming its sovereignty over parts of China's Nansha Islands, referred to by Manila as the Kalayaan Island Group.

"China owns sovereignty and jurisdiction over the related sea area, seabed and subsoil," Hong said.

"The sovereignty of China over the South China Sea and related rights and jurisdiction are well-grounded from both historical and legal perspectives," Hong added.