China seeks assurance in US-Philippines deal

MANILA, Philippines - The recently forged Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States does not appear to intimidate China as it insists that bilateral efforts of its neighbors be kept positive.

In a statement made at a press briefing Wednesday, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang said that the EDCA has to maintain security in the region.

"It is justifiable for people to ask any agreement between the US and the Philippines be consistent with this principle and not at the cost of mutual trust between regional countries and regional peace and stability," Qin said.

Beijing similarly said that security in the Asia Pacific "requires the common efforts of all."

"We believe that relevant parties should make positive efforts to enhance mutual trust and cooperation and promote common peace, stability and prosperity in this region, rather than the opposite," Qin said.

The foreign official also kept his statement neutral when asked whether the landmark deal between the Western power and the Philippines, its rival claimant over maritime areas, is an effort to contain rising China.

"The Pacific Ocean should be kept pacific," Qin said.

In his two-day state visit in the Philippines, American President Barack Obama reiterated that the US, in signing the security deal with its oldest ally in the region, does not side with any party in the sea row.

"Our goal is not to counter China. Our goal is not to contain China. Our goal is to make sure international rules and norms are respected, and that includes in the area of international disputes," Obama said.

Washington also hailed EDCA for being the "most significant defense agreement that we have concluded with the Philippines in decades."