The Philippines should stop making waves in the South China Sea by relying on U.S. support, as it will only "backfire", a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense warned on Wednesday.
Zhang Xiaogang, the spokesman, made the warning in response to a media query about U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent visit to the Philippines. During the visit, Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to counter the "China threat", and the two countries also conducted joint sea patrols in the South China Sea amid rising tensions. Additionally, the United States has recently approved the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines.
Zhang noted that such provocative actions undermine China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, while also threatening regional peace and stability.
"On the pretext of honoring bilateral treaties, the United States is meddling in the South China Sea issue, undermining China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and attempting to threat and coerce China. This approach will simply not work. It needs to be pointed out that the Philippine side has repeatedly made infringements and provocation against China. Outside countries led by the United States have made continued attempts to destabilize the South China Sea through escalating tensions and providing weapons. It fully exposed their true intention of making troubles in the region. To the Philippine side, relying on foreign support to make waves in the South China Sea will backfire and eventually pawns will easily be abandoned. We urge the Philippine side to give up unrealistic illusions and come back to the right track of dialogue and negotiation at an early date," said Zhang.
China warns Philippines against relying on US to make waves in South China Sea
China warns Philippines against relying on US to make waves in South China Sea
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
