Defense ministry spokesperson Chen Xi said reports that Philippine Defense
Minister Teodoro repeatedly raised South China Sea issues and made inaccurate
remarks about China reflect a pattern by some Philippine politicians who, for
personal political gain, exploit anti-China sentiment, manufacture threats to
justify military expansion and seek external support. Chen said those actions
harm Philippine national security and public welfare, seriously threaten
regional peace and ASEAN interests, and have a destructive impact on
China-Philippines military-to-military relations. China reaffirmed it will
firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and said it seeks
to work with regional partners to keep the South China Sea a sea of peace,
friendship and cooperation.
