BEIJING, July 4 (Reuters) - China took enforcement measures to protect its sovereignty in the South China Sea after Philippine provocations, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The spokesperson was referring to long-standing disputes between the countries over atolls in the South China Sea and demands from the Philippines for China to return what it called seized property and pay for damages.

Earlier, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr called for de-escalation of tension in the South China Sea, Manila's military chief said. (Reporting by Mei Mei Chu; Writing by Bernard Orr; Editing by Christopher Cushing)