Question: According to reports, some Philippine officials said that during the Philippine-Australian maritime cooperation activities in the South China Sea, the Chinese military aircraft flew near the Philippine military aircraft. Do you have any comment? How do you comment onthe joint patrols carried out by the Philippines and Australia, and by the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea?
Wu Qian: The remarks of the Philippine side are inconsistent with what really happened on the ground and is a sheer malicious hype-up. Defense and security cooperation between countries shall not target at any third party or harm a third party's interests and shall not undermine regional peace and stability. We oppose any act that stir up confrontation and heighten tensions in the South China Sea. We urge the Philippine side to abide by the spirit of the DOC, stop violating China's sovereignty. The Chinese military will stay vigilant and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and defend peace and stability in the South China Sea.