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U.S. soldiers in an amphibious armored vehicle watch as Philippine marines run during an assault drill during a joint exercise at the Philippine Navy base in San Antonio, Zambales, October 9, 2015. Photo/REUTERS/Erik De Castro
MANILA – China is concerned about the Philippines’ closer ties with Washington, and views the United States (US) as the biggest disruptor in the region.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister (Foreign Minister) Sun Weidong called for deepening “comprehensive strategic cooperation” between Beijing and Manila, which should “maintain the general direction of friendly relations.”
The remarks came ahead of Sun’s talks with Philippine Undersecretary of State Theresa Lazaro in Manila, where the Chinese diplomat arrived on March 22 for a two-day visit.
The negotiations were held against the backdrop of strained relations between China and the Philippines, with Beijing deeply concerned about Manila’s closer military cooperation with Washington.
Separately, Manila drew Beijing’s attention to what it described as the “unauthorized presence” of a number of Chinese naval and coast guard vessels in Philippine territorial waters over the past few months.
Chinese Ministry of Defense (MoD) spokesman Tan Kefei told reporters late last month that Beijing was unhappy that the US had gained access to four new military bases in the Philippines.
Not only that, China views Washington as the biggest destabilizing actor in the Asia-Pacific region.
“China is closely following this trend and expresses serious concern over this. We always believe that military and security cooperation between countries should contribute to the protection of peace and stability in the region and not target third parties or harm their interests,” the spokesperson said.
