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"Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday denounced the Philippine's Defence Secretary's recent claims of a 'severe threat' from China as 'fallacious,' describing his statement as evidence of his 'disregard' for the 'well-being' of his own people in pursuit of 'personal gains.' "He even goes so far as to use livelihood issues for political grandstanding, seriously damaging China-Philippines relations and mutual trust, and is completely contrary to the interests of the Philippine nation and people," Mao said during a press conference in Beijing. In a statement on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro dismissed recent Chinese aid offer as a 'facade' and 'deception' designed to mask a 'severe threat' to his country. Teodoro added that that such gestures fail to demonstrate long-term sincerity and commitment, claiming both countries face a massive 'deficit of trust.' "If such a person is allowed to act with impunity, how can China continue to provide the Philippines with supplies and assistance? Who ultimately pays the bill? Whose interests are being harmed?" Mao asked. "We hope the Philippines will be consistent in word and deed, strictly restrain the words and actions of its officials, and not allow a few clowns to repeatedly undermine efforts to stabilise bilateral relations," she continued. Mao also expressed Beijing's opposition to the recently-announced maritime boundary delimitation negotiations between Japan and the Philippines, calling the talks a 'serious violation of international law.' "China will never allow this. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China. Safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is the common responsibility of all Chinese people on both sides of the Strait," the spokesperson asserted. The diplomatic friction comes as Tokyo and Manila agreed to elevate their relations to an 'Enhanced Strategic Partnership' on Thursday, pledging deeper cooperation across various sectors. Both sides also agreed this week to accelerate discussions on the potential transfer of maritime assets such as Abukuma-class destroyers, and to advance talks on the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), aimed at improving intelligence sharing between Indo-Pacific partners."
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