Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said such a pact should neither jeopardize regional peace nor stability either.

The spokesman stressed that any defense or military cooperation agreement should be governed by principles of mutual respect and non-interference in third-party affairs.

“No matter what kind of military agreement is signed or what kind of security cooperation is undertaken, it should neither be directed against third parties nor harm their interests.”

“Nor should it undermine peace in the region nor increase tensions,” he stressed.

Besides, Lin Jian further said that the best way to ensure national security and regional stability is to maintain good neighbors’ relations and take a strategic independence stance.

Relations between China and the Philippines have deteriorated significantly since the arrival to power of a president who favors an alliance with the United States.

In fact, the US State Department threatened to resort to the Mutual Defense Treaty between Washington and Manila to support Manila’s actions in the South Sea.

In a new escalation of tensions, China’s National People’s Congress and Foreign Ministry condemned the recent enactment by the Philippines of the Maritime Areas Act, which includes areas that Beijing considers its own.

In a statement, the legislative body described this action as a violation of the Asian giant’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South Sea.

For the Chinese Parliament this law is also an attempt to validate the 2016 arbitration court ruling, a ruling that Beijing categorically rejects.

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