In a recent press briefing, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Chinese mainlands Ministry of National Defense, called out the Philippines for catering to the United States and other non-regional countries through joint military exercises and maritime cruises in the South China Sea. He argued these moves seriously violated the common interests of regional countries and risked undermining stability in one of the worlds busiest waterways.
Zhang stressed that military cooperation should not target any third party or harm a third partys interests, nor endanger regional peace and stability. He urged all nations to treat the South China Sea as a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship, emphasizing that activities in the region must respect the shared rights of neighboring states.
Addressing recent tensions around the Taiwan question, Zhang warned against using the Taiwan question as an excuse to strengthen regional military deployment and provoke tension and confrontation. He reaffirmed that the Chinese mainland will always safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests while upholding peace and stability in regional waters.
As tensions simmer, analysts say the exchange highlights the delicate balance between power projection and regional cooperation. With major shipping lanes at stake and regional trust on the line, Beijings comments underscore growing concerns over external military influence in Asias maritime flashpoints.
Reference(s):
China: Philippines' provocations violate regional countries' interests
cgtn.com
