BEIJING, CHINA: The Philippine Congress' approval of an archipelago baseline bill this week is "harmful" to its relations with China, state media said Friday (20 Feb), stoking official anger at Manila's territorial claim over several tiny islands which make up the Spratly chain in the South China Sea.

"The Philippines' latest claim on Huangyan and other islands of Nansha Islands, in defiance of China's severe concern and representations on many occasions, is harmful to bilateral relations," Xinhua News Agency said in a commentary.

"The Philippines should abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea issued by Asean member countries and China in 2002 and refrain from actions that may complicate and expand disputes."

Xinhua said the "best choice" for the Philippines was to proceed from the interest of the peoples of the two countries and the peace and stability of the South China Sea.

The Philippines referred to the disputed islands as Scarborough Shoal and the Kalayaan Island Group.

China's Foreign Ministry had denounced the claim as "illegal and invalid" and Vice Foeign Minister Wang Guangya on Wednesday (18 Feb) summoned Filipino charged' affaires Maria Barber to lodge a protest.

The Spratlys is made up of several hundred islets, reefs and atolls. It lies on strategic shipping lanes and is said to be rich in oil and gas reserves.

It is claimed in whole or in part by China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan. (Bernama)