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US-China relations
ChinaDiplomacy

China to take cautious tack in wake of US-Philippine military base deal: analysts

  • Manila’s decision was active and driven by concerns about ‘sovereignty and security’
  • China will continue as usual in the South China Sea to remind both countries about its presence, observer says

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China has responded to an air base deal struck during US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to the Philippines. Photo: AP
Teddy NgandKawala Xie
China will maintain its presence in the South China Sea but will carefully weigh any further activity to avoid aggravating tensions with the Philippines – even as Manila allows Washington greater military access to its soil, according to analysts.
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The assessment follows an announcement by US and Philippine defence officials on Thursday that Manila will give US forces access to four more Philippine military bases “in strategic areas of the country”, taking the total to nine.

China responded by warning the Philippines of the risk of being “taken advantage of” by the United States, saying the US was responsible for escalating tensions.

“The United States, out of its self interest and zero-sum game mentality, continues to step up its military posture in this region. Its actions escalate regional tension and undermine regional peace and stability,” the Chinese embassy in Manila said.

“[China hopes] the Philippine side stays vigilant and resists being taken advantage of and dragged into troubled waters.

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“China always holds that defence and security cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, not targeted against any third party, even less to harm the interests of a third party.”

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