China: Philippines' provocations violate regional countries' common interests

China's Ministry of National Defense on Thursday said the Philippines has been catering to the United States and other non-regional countries in its provocations, conducting so-called joint exercises and cruises, which has seriously violated the common interests of regional countries.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a question about the U.S. and the Philippines recently holding a joint military exercise.

Military cooperation between countries should not target any third party or harm a third party's interests, nor endanger regional peace and stability, Zhang said.

The South China Sea should be a sea of ​​peace, cooperation and friendship, he added.

China opposes any country using the Taiwan question as an excuse to strengthen regional military deployment and provoke tension and confrontation, Zhang emphasized, adding that China will always safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and maintain regional peace and stability.