Ankara: On Thursday, China called on the United States and the Philippines to refrain from actions that could potentially disrupt regional peace and stability. This statement comes as Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth prepares to visit the Philippines, marking his first visit to Washington’s oldest military ally in Asia.
According to Anadolu Agency, China’s Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian emphasized the importance of ensuring that the US-Philippines military cooperation does not compromise the security interests of other countries or the overall peace and stability of the region. Wu’s comments were made during a briefing in Beijing, as reported by state media.
Hegseth, who was appointed as the US defense secretary following the re-election of US President Donald Trump, is scheduled to visit the Philippines and Japan this week. Notably, his itinerary does not include South Korea, which is home to approximately 28,500 US troops, compared to Japan’s hosting of over 50,000 US troops and military bases.
China’s Defense Ministry spokesman highlighted historical concerns, stating, “By the way, looking at history, the US has an astonishing record of breaking promises and betraying allies.” Washington and Manila maintain a strong relationship, underscored by a mutual defense treaty, allowing the US military access to Philippine bases.
The visit takes place amidst ongoing maritime tensions between Manila and Beijing, with both nations having overlapping territorial claims in the contested South China Sea. Wu Qian also addressed the potential for future military exchanges between China and the US, noting that preliminary consensus has been reached, and plans for China-US military exchanges are progressing.
Wu underscored the importance of building a stable military relationship between China and the US, highlighting that it serves the common interests of both countries and aligns with the expectations of the international community. He emphasized the need for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, win-win cooperation, enhanced communication, dialogue, and proper management of differences to further develop China-US military relations.