MANILA, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Facts and rationality are essential to dispelling deceptive narrative surrounding the South China Sea, at a time when agitators have deliberately turned related issues into tools of political and ideological manipulation, a Chinese scholar has said.

China has consistently promoted mutual understanding through openness, transparency and constructive dialogue, aiming to dispel prejudice with facts and build trust through cooperation, said Hu Bo, director of the Center for Maritime Strategy Studies of Beijing University, during the so-called Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea held here from Wednesday to Friday.

"In recent years, certain forces have deliberately politicized and ideologized the South China Sea issue," said Hu. "China's expression of legitimate positions are often distorted or labeled as 'disinformation,' while some claimant states have released unverified or even false information, which can be easily disproved by satellite data and other objective evidence."

Hu, also director of the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, said that facts have repeatedly shown that the claims spread by certain countries on the South China Sea issue are not based on evidence, but driven by political motives.

"Ironically, those accusing China of spreading falsehoods are often the very ones disseminating unverified or misleading information," Hu said.

Meanwhile, Hu noted that some international media outlets have shown clear bias in their reporting on the South China Sea, misleading global audiences.

"Many researchers rely on Western theoretical frameworks or a 'strong-versus-weak' narrative, while overlooking the fact of China's long-standing, lawful and continuous jurisdiction and presence in these waters," Hu said.

"The South China Sea is neither a blank space nor a place where the loudest voice prevails," he emphasized. "China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are supported by solid historical and legal grounds. In handling maritime disputes, China remains committed to dialogue and consultation, and to safeguarding peace and stability in the region."

Hu said discussions on the South China Sea are, at their core, "a contest between truth and bias, between fact and misperception."

Noting that China is a genuine force for regional peace and stability, Hu said that China will continue to promote understanding, counter misinformation with facts, and work with regional partners to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.