Beijing expressed hope on Wednesday that the South China Sea region would see peace and stability due to Germany and the Philippines’ military cooperation.
Asking about the recent commitment made by leaders of Germany and the Philippines to deepen military ties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin is hopeful that the cooperation between relevant countries is conducive to peace, stability, and development in the region.
On Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on China and regional countries to peacefully resolve disputed South China Sea tensions.
“We hope that cooperation between relevant countries is conducive to peace, stability, and the development of the region,” Wang said.
In Berlin, President Marcos expressed interest in enhancing the partnership to include cyber security and maritime domain concerns to expand the Philippines’ ties with Germany.
In a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Marcos said he wanted defense cooperation to extend “beyond training” amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Germany has provided training for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) since 1974, making it the Philippines’ second-oldest formal defense partner.
Scholz met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who was in Germany for a three-day working visit.
He added: “We want to do whatever we can to help settle tensions peacefully. Therefore, ASEAN’s (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea are paramount, and de-escalation must always be our priority.”
The South China Sea has seen rising tension between China, the Philippines, and other nations in recent years, particularly in the last several months.
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