The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed opposition Monday to the recent remarks made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the incidents in the South China Sea were ''mere theatre'' supposedly staged under the direction of other nations.

The Philippines has called out China's foreign minister for using "creative analogy" and wordplay to distract from the core issue in the South China Sea dispute — Beijing's continued refusal to comply with international law.

China’s top diplomat didn’t name the United States directly when warning against the return of the “law of the jungle” at a news conference in Beijing, but his meaning was crystal clear.

“Thirty years ago, Beijing bore witness to the determination of the world’s women to seek gender equality. This year, people will gather again in Beijing to discuss major issues concerning women’s development worldwide. We look forward to seeing more women live life to the full and realise their dreams,” said Mr Wang Yi.

The leaders of both Canada and Mexico got on the phone with President Donald Trump this past week to seek solutions after he slapped tariffs on their countries, but China’s president appears unlikely to make a similar call soon.

China’s tech breakthroughs – including in artificial intelligence – have been front and centre at this year’s “two sessions” political event in Beijing, with senior officials, lawmakers and advisers highlighting the opportunities and challenges brought by the technology.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday accused the United States of "meeting good with evil" for imposing a new round of "arbitrary tariffs" and vowed retaliation.