China says it hopes cooperation between Philippines, Germany can promote 'peace, stability'

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Beijing on Wednesday voiced hope that military cooperation between Germany and the Philippines contributes to peace, stability, and development in the South China Sea region.

Asking about the leaders of Germany and the Philippines saying in Berlin that the two countries will deepen military ties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said: “We hope that cooperation between relevant countries is conducive to peace, stability, and development in the region."

"This is our consistent position," Wang added.

On Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on China and regional countries to resolve tensions in the disputed South China Sea peacefully.

He added: "We want to do whatever we can to help settle tensions in a peaceful manner. Therefore, ASEAN’s (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea is therefore of the utmost importance, 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, and in particular the last several months.