China warns Philippines against offending China's core interest in any form

BEIJING -- A Chinese defense spokesman on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Philippines against offending China's core interest in any form.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference when asked about Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong's appearance in the waters north of the Philippines during a recent Philippine-US joint exercise, as well as the Philippine Navy spokesperson's claim about potential joint exercises involving Philippine and Taiwan troops.