Philippines urged to stop colluding with external forces to hype up tensions on maritime issues, FM spokesperson responds to Manila's recent defense cooperation with US, Japan
Global Times
By Global Times Published: Jul 29, 2025 04:21 PM
In response to an inquiry over reports that during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s visit to the US, the two sides announced new military cooperation, and Marcos Jr claiming AFP modernization is response to change in South China Sea situation, plus Japan reportedly plans to sell six destroyers to the Philippines, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China consistently opposes using the South China Sea issue as a pretext to strengthen military alliances or conduct targeted military deployments and actions. Such moves, Guo stated, will not resolve disputes nor intimidate China, and they run counter to the shared aspirations of Asia-Pacific countries for peace, development, and stability.
Guo added that the Philippines engaging in defense and security cooperation with other countries should not target any third party, interfere in South China Sea disputes, still the less provoke confrontation and escalate regional tensions.
He urged the Philippines to stop colluding with external forces to stir up tensions and distort facts on maritime issues. It should not seek backing from outside powers or make excuses to align itself with small cliques. Instead, it should take concrete actions to practice independence and autonomy, and genuinely contribute to regional peace and stability, said Guo.
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