China believes that while big countries should never bully smaller ones, the latter should not engage in provocative acts, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Thursday.

Hua was speaking in response to an earlier meeting between officials from the Philippines and the United States.

According to the Associated Press, Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Evan Garcia and the top US diplomat in East Asia, Daniel Russel expressed "concern" over developments in the South China Sea at a news conference in Manila on Wednesday.

Russel said that the countries have separately urged Beijing to cease activities that could worsen tensions.

"All countries, whatever their size, should have equal rights and interests. And they should also be treated equally when applying international rules," Hua said.

As for the situation in the South China Sea, the spokeswoman called on other countries to keep open minds and help promote regional peace and stability.

"Third countries should say less and stop stirring up trouble," Hua said.

She reaffirmed that China insists on solving territorial and maritime disputes through talks and negotiations.

"We urge parties involved to make concrete efforts in implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea," Hua said.

mojingxi@chinadaily.com.cn