Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian’s Remarks on April 17, 2024

Reuters: It’s reported that the US and the Philippines will conduct joint military drills next week. What’s China’s comment?  

Lin Jian: China has made clear many times its position on the military cooperation between the US and the Philippines. The Philippines needs to be fully aware that when countries outside the region are brought into the South China Sea to flex muscles and stoke confrontation, tensions could get worse and the region will only become less stable. To hand over one’s security to forces outside the region will only lead to greater insecurity and turn oneself into someone else’s chess piece. We urge the Philippines to stop making maritime provocations. We urge relevant countries outside the region to stop stoking confrontation in the South China Sea. We will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable.