China's defence ministry on Thursday rejected a Philippine claim that Chinese fighter jets flew past joint patrols being conducted by the Philippines and Australia.
What the Philippines said is «groundless» and «not true», said a ministry spokesperson at a monthly press conference.
Manila said on Sunday that two Chinese fighter jets were seen «orbiting» a Philippine aircraft participating in patrols with Australia in the South China Sea but did not cause any untoward incident.
What the Philippines said is sheer «malicious» hype, the spokesperson said.