China urges the Philippine side to stop undermining joint efforts by regional countries in pursuing peace and development, and cease its infringement, provocation and propaganda. Otherwise, the higher it jumps, the harder it will fall, said Jiang Bin, spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense on November 7.

According to media reports, the Philippines continuously rallied countries outside the region to conduct joint patrols and military exercises in the South China Sea. It is clamoring for establishing a so-called task force to deal with China’s “coercive” behavior. Reporter asked about the Ministry of National Defense's comment on this matter.

"We hold that defense and security cooperation between relevant countries should neither target or harm the interests of any third party, nor undermine regional peace and stability," said Jiang Bin. 

He emphasized that the root cause for tensions in the South China Sea is that the Philippine side frequently draws in outside forces to conduct infringement and provocation. The historical context and the rights and wrongs of the South China Sea issue are clear. China rejects any unfounded accusations that propagate false narratives and distort legal facts. 

China will neither tolerate the blackmailing by those who provoke first and play the victim, nor indulge the provocation by those who stir up troubles in collusion with outside powers. That said, we will not give up efforts to upholding peace, stability and development through coordination. China stands firm and resolute in safeguarding our territorial sovereignty and protecting our maritime rights and interests, according to Jiang Bin.

(Source: Ministry of National Defense of China)