Chinese FM responds to U.S., Philippines signing military intelligence sharing deal

In response to the U.S. and the Philippines signing a security agreement that allows the two countries to exchange highly confidential military intelligence, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday that no matter what kind of military agreement is signed or what type of defense and security cooperation is conducted, it must not target third party, harm their interests, undermine regional peace, or escalate tensions.

The only correct choice for safeguarding national security and maintaining regional peace and stability is to adhere to good-neighborly relations and uphold strategic autonomy, Lin said.

The U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Philippine counterpart, Gilberto Teodoro, signed the legally binding General Security of Military Information Agreement in Manila on Monday, AP reported, which claimed that the move is largely in response to China’s actions in Asia.