Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the joint military exercises conducted by the US, the Philippines and their allies in the Asia-Pacific region pose a danger to them. Guo stressed that interdependence in the security field could have negative consequences for the countries involved. The spokesperson stated that the unilateral use of military force and threats have led to major disasters around the world. Guo Jiakun said that the countries in the region need peace and tranquility the most, and that interventions by external forces could fuel division and conflict. He also stated that international military cooperation should not undermine mutual understanding and trust among countries in the region, nor should it disrupt peace and stability.
The US and its allies are conducting training in air and missile defense and maritime security as part of the Balikatan exercises held in the Philippines. More than 17,000 troops from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and France are participating in these drills.