China says Philippines should not start conflict in South China Sea

Reuters
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Above, Chinese coast guard personnel onboard their vessel in the disputed South China Sea March 5, 2024. (AFP)
  • Ministry spokesperson: Cooperation between the US and the Philippines should not target third parties

BEIJING: The Philippines should not start a conflict in the South China Sea with US support, China’s foreign ministry said on Friday.
Cooperation between the US and the Philippines should not target third parties, ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press conference, when asked about US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s remarks on Friday saying that the two countries should strengthen deterrence against threats, including Chinese “aggression.”
“I would like to emphasize there has never been a problem with freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea,” Guo said.