As U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin prepares for a high-profile visit to the Philippines to reaffirm military cooperation, China has issued a sharp rebuke, accusing Washington of betrayal and interference.
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Thursday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian warned that U.S.-Philippines defense ties “must not harm other countries’ security interests or the peace and stability of the region.”
In response to recent comments by the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. and ahead of Austin’s arrival in Manila, Wu went further, questioning Washington’s credibility on the global stage.
“By the way, looking at history, the U.S. has an astonishing record of breaking promises and betraying allies,” Wu said, without naming specific examples.
Warning Over Joint Drills and Regional Security
Wu’s comments came after a question from Chinese state-run Global Times regarding the potential for expanded military drills between the U.S. and the Philippines.
The two nations recently completed a three-week joint exercise as part of their expanding security cooperation, amid rising tensions with China over the South China Sea.
“We always oppose interference by countries outside the region when it comes to the South China Sea issue,” Wu said, reiterating a familiar Chinese position that external powers should stay out of territorial disputes in the region.
He added that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army “will take all necessary measures to defend national interests and safeguard peace and stability.”
