China has strengthened controls in the Huangyan Island waters in response to the provocative actions of the Philippines, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei as saying on Wednesday. There are about 20 Chinese fishing boats operating in the Huangyan Island waters, roughly the same number as in previous years, (Xinhua) News Agency quoted Hong as saying. "The operating manners of the fishing boats is consistent with China's relevant laws as well as China's fishing moratorium orders," he said, rejecting some Philippine media reports which said China had sent nearly 100 vessels to the waters.