Philippines risks creating trouble for itself: China's defense ministry

China has urged the Philippines to stop making trouble in the South China Sea if it does not want to create trouble for itself.

On Friday, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin of China's Ministry of National Defense said that defense and security cooperation between countries should not target third parties, harm their interests, or undermine regional peace and stability.

"The Philippines' frequent acts of infringement and provocation by colluding with external forces are the root cause of the tense situation in the South China Sea," he said when responding to a request for comment on the Philippines' claim that its joint military actions with other nations were aimed at "countering China's coercion".

The historical context of the South China Sea issue and the merits of the matter are very clear, Jiang added.

"We do not accept any unfounded accusations based on false narratives or distorted legal principles, nor will we tolerate malicious complaints or extortionate acts that exaggerate minor issues into major ones," he said.

"We will not allow provocative acts of collusion to stir up trouble and create chaos, and we will not abandon collaborative efforts to uphold peace, stability and development."

China's resolve to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is unwavering, Jiang stressed.

"We urge the Philippines to stop undermining the common efforts of regional countries to pursue peace and development, and to cease acts of infringement, provocation and sensationalist propaganda," he said.

"Otherwise, the higher it jumps, the harder it will fall."