A Chinese military spokesman on Friday urged the Philippines to cease its infringement, provocations and propaganda.
Jiang Bin, a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry regarding recent joint military exercises held by the Philippines and extra-regional partners in the South China Sea.
"It is China's consistent belief that defense and security cooperation between relevant countries should neither target nor harm the interests of a third party, or undermine regional peace and stability. The root cause of tensions in the South China Sea is that the Philippine side frequently draws in outside forces to conduct infringement and provocation. The historical context and the rights and wrongs of the issue of the South China Sea are clear. We reject any unfounded accusations that propagate false narratives and distort legal facts. We will neither tolerate the blackmailing by those who provoke first and then play the victim, nor indulge provocations by those who stir up trouble in collusion with other outside powers. We will not give up efforts for peace, stability and development through coordination," he said.
"China will not waver in its resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. We urge the Philippine side to stop undermining the joint efforts by regional countries in pursuing peace and development, and to stop its infringement, provocations and hyping up the situation. Otherwise, the Philippines will end up lifting a rock only to drop it on its own feet," said Jiang.
China urges the Philippines to cease provocations on South China Sea issue
