China accuses Philippines of stoking tensions with US military drills

The Philippines has undermined the common interests of countries in the region by colluding with the United States and other outside powers to stage provocations, a Chinese defense spokesman said on Thursday.

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks during a regular news conference in Beijing in response to the ongoing Balikatan joint military exercises involving the US, the Philippines and other nations.

As part of the drills, the US military for the first time deployed an anti-ship missile system to the Luzon Strait, north of the Philippines. Some analysts view the move as simulating a potential blockade of the Bashi Channel in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait.

"Military cooperation between countries should not target or harm the interests of any third party, nor should it undermine regional peace and stability," Zhang said.

He called for the South China Sea to remain "a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship," and accused the Philippines of working with the US and others to stir up tensions.

"The Philippines frequently conducts so-called joint patrols and exercises, and invites and deploys strategic and tactical weapons, seriously undermining the common interests of regional countries," he said.

Zhang said China "firmly opposes any country strengthening military deployment in the region and provoking tensions and confrontation under the excuse of the Taiwan question."

"Regardless of external challenges and turbulence, China will resolutely safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly maintain peace and stability in the region," he added.