Defense deals shouldn’t target any country – China

MANILA, Philippines — Frowning at the idea of foreign states partnering with each other against a particular country, China yesterday questioned the motive behind Japan and Australia’s efforts to strengthen ties, with the supposed goal of supporting the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) amid continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, responding to a question during a regular press conference in Beijing, said defense partnerships should help maintain peace and stability.

“China believes that defense and security cooperation between countries should be conducive to keeping the region peaceful and stable and nurturing mutual trust between regional countries and should not target any third party,” she said.

Mao issued the statement after being asked about how Japan and Australia’s foreign and defense ministers met in Australia and agreed to enhance defense cooperation and support the work of the PCG.

Tension between China and the Philippines in the WPS has been increasing in the past several weeks following fresh acts of harassment by the China Coast Guard (CCG), the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and maritime militia vessels in the area.

The PLA Air Force also recently used flares to harass a Philippine aircraft patrolling the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Most recently, CCG boats deliberately rammed the PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua, which has been stationed in the vicinity of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.

Japan and Australia, among many other nations, have been consistent in calling on China to stop its harassment of Philippine vessels and aircraft in the WPS, the part of the South China Sea within the Philippines’ EEZ.