China says U.S.-Philippines military cooperation shouldn’t threaten regional peace

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said the U.S.-Philippines military and security cooperation shouldn’t threaten regional peace and security.

Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to the U.S. approving the sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines on Tuesday.

Guo said with regard to the security cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines, China has stated its stance multiple times that any defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and other countries should not target any third party or harm their interests, let alone exacerbate regional tensions.

“I believe that regional countries can clearly see who is provoking military confrontation and turning Asia into a powder keg,” he said.