BEIJING, Feb. 25-- China on Tuesday rejected the Philippines' protest over the firing of a water cannon and demanded relevant countries to respect China's sovereignty.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks in response to a question about the Philippine government on Monday accusing China's coast guard of firing a water cannon at Philippine fishing boats.

"I would like to re-emphasize that China's public service vessels have conducted routine patrols in the waters of Huangyan Islands to safeguard both sovereignty and public order in the waters," Hua said, noting that China has undisputed sovereignty over the Huangyan Islands and the neighboring sea.

China's public service vessels manage foreign vessels in the relevant waters within reasonable and just limits, she said, adding that China deals with fishing boats' normal request to seek shelters in humanitarian principles.