BEIJING, Jan. 12 -- The Philippine side's so-called joint patrols in the South China Sea with countries outside the region will only escalate tensions in the South China Sea and undermine regional peace and stability, said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense (MND), at a regular press briefing on Friday.
According to the media, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Indo-Pacific Command recently conducted joint patrols in the South China Sea. Commander-in-chief of the Philippine Army said that the move marked a breakthrough in the Philippine-US alliance and their military coordination.
“China has always upheld that defense cooperation between countries should not harm the interests of a third party or undermine regional peace and security”, said the spokesperson, noting that the move of the Philippine side is merely to stir up trouble in the region by using external forces.
He urged the Philippines to refrain from speculative and risky thinking and to stop hyping up irresponsibly. “The Chinese military will remain on high alert and continue to take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” he stressed.