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Philippine drills with external countries 'play ass in the lion's skin': spokesperson

Global Times

By Zhang Han Published: Aug 28, 2025 06:37 PM

The Philippines has repeatedly courted influence from outside powers to make waves in the South China Sea, playing the role of an ass in the lion's skin, and its acts have jeopardized regional security and stability, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for Chinese Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Zhang made the remarks in response to Philippines' claim that its joint exercise with Australia was a warning against Beijing's "assertive actions" and the 2nd Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers' Meeting was recently held and the two countries announced their willingness to strengthen defense cooperation and expressed grave concerns over "China's actions in the South China Sea."

Zhang said that reality has proven time and again that the Philippine side is the one who undermines stability and makes troubles in the South China Sea. At the same time, certain external countries have instigated and supported the Philippines to take irresponsible actions that harm the shared interests of regional countries.

"China's actions to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are justified and legitimate. We will take firm countermeasures against any provocative behaviors," Zhang said.

The Philippines, Australia and Canada have conducted a joint exercise near Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea, deploying three warships and military aircraft, which the Philippine military claimed in an X post on Thursday is to be focused on simulations to counter aerial threats "through coordinated defensive measures."

Sailing from a western Philippine province of Palawan, the Philippines' ship Jose Rizal, Australia's HMAS Brisbane, and Canada's HMCS Ville de Quebec participated, the military said, claiming that the drills reaffirmed "the Philippines' commitment to advancing defence cooperation with like-minded nations."

But such actions and claims are seen by Chinese military affairs expert Song Zhongping as bluffing, because all three countries have limited capacity in aerial defense in the South China Sea and their military strength relies very much on the US.

Australia and Canada, both non-regional countries, have the US on their mind when they actively weigh in the regional situation, as they hope to demonstrate strategic value in front of the US, according to Song.

So-called "like-minded countries" have their own purposes and calculations, and the Philippines should recognize that enlisting countries outside the region to help it confront China only leads to a dead end - Manila will descend to an anti-China pawn and risk turning Philippines into a battlefield, Song said.