China opposes US-PHL defense pact in South China Sea

China's foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China is against any external meddling in the South China Sea that could jeopardize its sovereignty and maritime rights.

Her statement was in response to new bilateral defense guidelines between the Philippines and the US, which outline US support in case of an attack on the Philippines within the South China Sea.

Mao emphasized that the situation in the South China Sea has been stable due to the efforts of regional countries.

She described the US-Philippines defense guidelines as a bilateral arrangement and asserted that China firmly opposes using these guidelines to interfere in the South China Sea.

Mao stated that the South China Sea should be a shared home for regional countries, not a hunting ground for external forces.

She concluded that regional countries hold the key to peace and stability in the South China Sea through mutual trust, solidarity, cooperation, and proper handling of differences.

Meanwhile, former DFA Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin defended the new defense guidelines, stating that the US must meddle if there is an attack on Philippine public vessels.