China asks the Philippines to prevent the US from "taking advantage" of the installation of military bases in its country

MADRID, 3 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) -

China has called on the Philippines to prevent the United States from taking advantage of its country after agreeing to give the US military access to four new military bases.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila said in a statement that "it is to be hoped" that the Philippines "remain vigilant" and "resist being taken advantage of and dragged into troubled waters", bringing to mind the agreement signed on Wednesday between the US government and the filipino.

Thus, he has affirmed that China has always defended that defense and security cooperation between countries should favor peace and not target a third party, as would the new military agreement signed by the Philippines and the United States.

"The United States, out of its own interest and its mentality (...) continues to intensify its military posture in this region. Its actions increase regional tension and undermine the peace and stability of the region," read the letter from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines.

Thus, the Chinese representation in the Philippines has argued that the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, has slandered China over the South China Sea issue by promoting an "anti-Chinese political agenda."

"Such moves contradict the common aspiration of the countries in the region to seek peace, cooperation and development, and go against the common aspiration of the Filipino people to pursue a sound economic recovery and a better life in cooperation with China." , has stated the Asian giant.

China's statement has come to light a day after the United States and the Philippines agreed to install four new military bases in the country, where it will be able to build facilities to store and supply equipment after both countries have reached a new agreement. security agreement.

The deal comes amid rising tensions in the region over China's pressure on the South China Sea. Specifically, the Philippines and China are embroiled in a territorial dispute over overlapping claims to the sea, where Beijing has seized areas and built artificial islands with military-capable facilities.

In addition to the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim the area, which is considered rich in natural resources.