Beijing, 3 Mar (ZXS) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular news conference on 22 March that the United States, out of its own selfish interests and zero-sum thinking, is constantly strengthening its military deployment in the region, which is aggravating tension and endangering regional peace and stability, and regional countries should remain vigilant against this.
A reporter asked, Philippine President Marcos said on the 22nd that according to the agreement signed with the United States to strengthen defense cooperation, four new military bases will be located in different areas of the Philippines, including a province facing the South China Sea. President Marcos also said that the external security environment is becoming more complex and unpredictable. The reporter raised two questions: First, is it possible for Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to ease the Philippines' concerns about territorial security during his visit to the Philippines? Second, does China believe that the Philippines' actions to alleviate its own security concerns will pose a security threat to China?
Wang Wenbin said that China has made relevant briefings on Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong's visit to the Philippines for bilateral consultations. "I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that this is the first time since the pandemic that the Chinese and Philippine Foreign Departments have held face-to-face bilateral consultations. The two sides will comprehensively check the implementation of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during President Marcos' visit to China in January this year, promote cooperation in key areas, have in-depth communication on properly handling sea-related differences, promote practical maritime cooperation, and exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern. ”
Wang Wenbin said that China and the Philippines are neighbors that cannot be moved, and we hope and believe that through this consultation, China and the Philippines will further enhance understanding, mutual trust, close communication and coordination, and jointly strive for the development of China-Philippines comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship.
"Regarding your second question, we have always believed that defense and security cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, and should not target or harm the interests of third parties." Wang Wenbin pointed out that out of its own selfish interests and zero-sum thinking, the United States is constantly strengthening its military deployment in the region, which is aggravating the tension and endangering regional peace and stability. Countries in the region should remain vigilant against being taken advantage of by the United States. (End)