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China has warned the Philippines that expanding military ties with the U.S. will “eventually backfire,” as Manila and Washington appear to grow their partnership with military drills and new American naval bases to be built in the archipelago.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters that China is “gravely concerned over and strongly disapproves” of a joint statement issued Tuesday by the U.S. and Philippines after a meeting with top officials from both countries.
In the statement, among other things, the countries expressed “strong objections to the unlawful maritime claims, militarization of reclaimed features, and threatening and provocative activities in the South China Sea,” specifically highlighting recent actions by China.
“China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands and the adjacent waters.
