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China opposes 'groupings' of countries as Marcos, Biden, Kishida set to meet

Philippines | National

China opposes 'groupings' of countries as Marcos, Biden, Kishida set to meet

By Joseph Pedrajas

China has stood against “groupings” of countries as leaders of the Philippines, the United States and Japan are set to hold trilateral defense and security talk amid developments in the South China Sea.

Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, on Monday, April 8 issued Beijing’s opposition to such move as President Marcos, US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are set to meet in White House to respond to threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

“We oppose cobbling together exclusive groupings and stoking bloc confrontation in the region,” Mao said.

She also reminded countries that “defense cooperation between any countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability.”

Marcos, Biden and Kishida are expected to discuss developments in the whole South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, as China continues its aggressive actions in the waters.

They are also expected to tackle possible trilateral joint patrol in response to threats to peace and stability in the region.

During a pre-departure briefing ahead of the President Marcos' trip to Washington, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Acting Deputy Undersecretary Hans Siriban said the Philippines is expecting that the historic meeting among the leaders will help capacitate the Philippines in terms of more training on maritime security.

Manila is also looking forward not only to be able to train on capacity building but also to have cooperation on equipment with allies.

“It really is an integrated package, integrated suite of projects that will help enhance our capability to be interoperable with our partners, with our allies,” Siriban said.

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