China should recognise that the Philippines is an independent and sovereign state whose actions and decisions are driven entirely by national interest and not at the direction of other countries, Manila's foreign ministry said on Monday.

China warned Britain on Tuesday against "provoking tensions" in the South China Sea after its foreign minister David Lammy called Beijing's actions in the disputed waters "dangerous and destabilizing".

China has accused the Philippines of polluting the environment after it released footage it said showed troops burning rubbish at a disputed reef in the South China Sea. The video, published on social media by state broadcaster CGTN on Saturday,

China should recognise that the Philippines is an independent and sovereign state whose actions and decisions are driven entirely by national interest and not at the direction of other countries, Manila's foreign ministry said on Monday.

Manila says it is, alongside allies, ready to "counteract" any attempt by Beijing to restrict flights in airspace over the disputed South China Sea.

The Philippines asserts its independence in the South China Sea dispute, countering China's claims of external influence. Manila's foreign ministry emphasizes China's non-compliance with international law and reveals a transparency initiative involving journalists to highlight maritime actions.

Britain is concerned by China's "dangerous and destabilising" activity in the South China Sea, British foreign minister David Lammy said on Monday.

China has hit out at Britain's Foreign Secretary for "sowing discord" with a visit to a contested site in the South China Sea.