Spokesman Lin Jian assured that exchanges and cooperation between nations “should not undermine mutual understanding and trust among nationsin the region, nor affect regional peace and stability, and should not target nor harm the interests of third parties”.

Referring to the pact signed between Manila and Tokyo earlier in the day, the spokesman emphasized that the Asia-Pacific does not need “a small circle that instigates bloc confrontation and a new Cold War”.

“Any act that undermines peace and stability in the region and undermines unity and cooperation will arouse vigilance and common opposition from the peoples of the region,” he added.

Lin Jian recalled that during World War II, the Japanese empire invaded and colonized Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, and in this regard bore a grave historical responsibility.

“Japan should seriously reflect on its history of aggression and be cautious in its words and actions in the field of military security,” he pointed out.

Manila and Tokyo today signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement, a defense pact that gives the green light to deploy their troops in each other’s territory.

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