Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense Photo: China's Ministry of National Defense

China urges the Philippines to abide by the basic norms of international communication, and stop spreading false narratives, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a press briefing on Friday. Following the US' deployment of medium-range ballistic missiles, China also urges the Philippines not to serve as a pawn and a tool of hegemony, Zhang said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeated basic facts on the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has also released relevant information about the communication between the two sides. The facts are clear, the evidence is conclusive, and can't be denied, said Zhang.

Based on humanitarian considerations, China has reached a "gentlemen's agreement," or internal understandings with the Philippines on properly managing the situation at Ren'ai Jiao, which is conducive to managing differences, avoiding conflicts, building mutual trust, and maintaining peace and stability in the relevant waters. However, the Philippines has resorted to all sorts of denials, deceiving the Filipino people and misleading the international community. Where is their credibility, and what are their intentions, Zhang asked.

The Chinese military does not wish to make trouble but is not afraid of trouble. If someone wants to pull a banner and form alliances to coerce and pressure China, they are totally wrong, Zhang said in response to the Philippines' contradictory words and actions.

China urges the Philippines not to act recklessly and to stop all infringement and provocation, Zhang said. China will continue to take resolute measures to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, he said.

In response to the US' deployment of the "Typhon" Mid-Range Capability missile system to Luzon, the Philippines, Zhang said that the move seriously undermined China's strategic security, seriously damaging regional peace and stability. China has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition to this, said the spokesperson.

During recent years, the US has continuously withdrawn from arms control agreements, undermining the arms control treaty system and causing a serious impact on global strategic security and stability.

Countries that willingly serve as tools of hegemony, deploying highly aggressive strategic offensive weapons for other countries, will only increase their own security risks, Zhang noted.

China urges the US to take seriously the regional security concerns and to stop dangerous moves that escalate regional tensions, Zhang said, adding that China will take resolute and effective measures to safeguard its own security interests.

Global Times