Previously, Washington announced the future deployment of medium-range missiles on Philippine territory.

On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the recent military cooperation announcements between the Philippines, the United States and Japan in the South China Sea, saying such actions “cannot solve any problems, nor intimidate China.”

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“We firmly oppose using the South China Sea issue as a pretext to strengthen military alliances or carry out targeted deployments,” Guo said, adding that such actions contradict “the common desire for peace, development and stability in the Asia-Pacific.”

Beijing’s statements came after the United States and the Philippines announced the joint construction of ammunition depots and the future deployment of medium-range missiles on Philippine territory.

Japan also announced it will send patrol vessels and frigates to Manila as part of its support for Philippine maritime surveillance in South China Sea waters.

China and the Philippines have long been embroiled in a territorial dispute in the region over several strategic shoals and reefs, including Scarborough Shoal (known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc) and Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal).

The Chinese diplomat stressed that any defense cooperation “should not be directed against third countries, interfere in South China Sea disputes, provoke confrontations or escalate tensions.”

Guo directly criticized the Philippines for colluding with external forces to inflame maritime tensions. “Manila should stop playing the victim while acting as the provocateur, and cease using small groups to bolster its positions. Instead, it should take real steps to safeguard independence and regional peace,” he said.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has defended the country’s military modernization as a direct response to “the circumstances in the South China Sea.”

During his visit to Washington, Marcos also emphasized his intention to strengthen the archipelago’s defense capabilities “regardless of future circumstances.” He also confirmed that the Philippines will further open its market to U.S. products as part of a trade agreement with the President Donald Trump.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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