China believes the Philippines' concern over protecting the sea lanes of commerce in the West Philippine Sea as it moves to establish an enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site with the United States is "uncalled for."
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning (Photo from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China)
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning stressed there has never been any issue with freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, insisting that the country should not be concerned about it.
"As to protecting sea lanes of commerce in the South China Sea, I believe the concern is really uncalled-for. There is never any issue with freedom of navigation and safety in the South China Sea," Mao said.
This came as a response to the Department of National Defense statement that the plan to establish EDCA sites with the US in four locations in Luzon aims to further improve the Philippines’ capabilities to protect its national interests and contribute to the collective defense in the region, including protecting sea lanes of commerce in the South China Sea.
Mao emphasized that China and ASEAN countries "have both the will and the capability to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea," stressing that "there is no need for unwanted interference by forces outside the region."
The Foreign Ministry official also told the region to "think carefully" about US military deployment in the region if it would "truly help protect sovereignty and security" of one's country.
"I would like to draw your attention to the long list of turmoil, division and devastation left behind by the US military around the world. Will increased US military deployment in one’s country or the region truly help protect sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability or rather cause grave irreparable consequences?" she said.
'Potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait'
Mao was sought for a reaction over comments that the four sites, with three facing the Taiwan Strait and one facing the South China Sea, are apparently targeted at China.
"The comments on the locations of the new military bases also speak to the concern shared by many insightful people in the Philippines, who worry that this may draw their country into the whirlpool of a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait," Mao said.
She asserted that it is not the Chinese side that is heightening the Strait-cross tensions, adding that the "Taiwan question is China’s internal affair and its resolution is a matter for the Chinese."
"It is not the Chinese side that is heightening cross-Strait tensions, but the 'Taiwan independence' forces in the island and certain countries that support these forces," the official said.
"We hope regional countries could see clearly who is fueling tensions across the Taiwan Strait for what purpose and will not pull someone else’s chestnuts out of fire at their own expense," she added.
The Philippines and US will establish EDCA sites in four locations namely: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.