China Calls on U.S.-Philippines Alliance to Not Target Third Parties

2025-07-22 05:56:28

(MENAFN) China issued a pointed warning on Tuesday to the United States and the Philippines, urging the allied nations to ensure their cooperation does not undermine the interests of others.

“Any cooperation between the US and the Philippines should not target any third party or harm the interests of any third party,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated during a press briefing in Beijing.

The remark came in response to a question regarding Washington’s reaffirmed commitment to Manila’s security, highlighted during a high-level meeting between U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington, DC.

The Philippines remains the oldest military partner of the United States in the Asia-Pacific, hosting American troops and permitting access to several of its military facilities. Their defense relationship is anchored by a 1951 mutual defense treaty.

"Our storied Alliance has never been stronger or more essential than it is today. Together, we remain committed to the mutual defense treaty," Hegseth declared during his meeting with Marcos.

The warning from Beijing comes amid repeated confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, a region rich in minerals and oil where both nations assert overlapping territorial claims.

MENAFN22072025000045017169ID1109830867

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.