China’s Ministry of National Defense has criticized the Philippines for what it calls “provocations” that violate the interests of regional countries. Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang made the remarks at a regular press briefing on Thursday, responding to recent joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States.
Zhang accused the Philippines of “catering to the United States and other non-regional countries” through these joint activities, which he said undermine regional peace and stability. “Military cooperation between countries should not target any third party or harm a third party’s interests,” Zhang emphasized.
He added that the South China Sea should be “a sea of peace, cooperation, and friendship,” urging all parties to avoid actions that escalate tensions. Zhang also warned against using the Taiwan question as a pretext to bolster military deployments in the region, stating that China opposes any moves that provoke tension and confrontation.
“China will always safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and maintain regional peace and stability,” Zhang asserted.
The comments come amid increasing cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, including joint military drills in the South China Sea, a region where China has overlapping territorial claims with several Southeast Asian countries.
