The United States should not get involved in issues between China and the Philippines, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, rebutting the U.S. secretary of defense's remarks that the U.S. would support the Philippines in safeguarding sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.

"The U.S. is not party to the South China Sea issue. It should not get involved in a problem between China and the Philippines," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press briefing.