China News Service, Beijing, August 5 (Reporter Zhang Su) Philippine Defense Secretary Lorenzana recently stated that the Philippines will no longer participate in military exercises held by other countries in the South China Sea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a regular press conference on August 5 that the Philippine statement once again reflects the independent diplomatic policy pursued by the Philippines and also reflects the common aspirations of the countries in the region to seek peace and promote development.
According to reports, Lorenzana stated that in accordance with President Duterte’s order, the Philippines will no longer participate in military exercises held by other countries in the South China Sea to avoid aggravating tensions in the South China Sea. He also said that the Philippines insists on resolving relevant disputes in a peaceful and legal manner and looks forward to developing friendly relations with China. The Philippines and China have conducted many exchanges in the fields of epidemic prevention and control, humanities and military, and it is believed that after the epidemic, exchanges in various fields between the two countries will gradually resume. A reporter asked how China responded to this.
"The Philippine remarks once again reflect the independent diplomatic policy pursued by the Philippines, and it also reflects the common aspirations of the countries in the region to seek peace and promote development." Wang Wenbin said, fully explaining that some countries outside the region are trying to make waves and create tension in the South China Sea, which is contrary to regional countries. His will is unpopular.
Wang Wenbin said that China and ASEAN countries including the Philippines are currently focusing on fighting the epidemic and restoring the economy. What is needed is solidarity, cooperation, peace and stability. Thanks to the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the trade and investment between China and ASEAN grew against the trend in the first half of this year, reflecting the strong development momentum. The two sides are actively opening up a "fast channel" for personnel exchanges and a "green channel" for the circulation of goods, helping countries to resume work and production and to stabilize the supply chain of the industrial chain.
"China is confident to work with countries in the region to overcome the challenges of the epidemic, maintain a good momentum of development in the region, and safeguard the common well-being of the people in the region," said Wang Wenbin. (Finish)