China urges the Philippines to refrain from playing with fire in relation to its military exercises with United States , a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.At a regular news briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to a media inquiry about the United States -Philippines military exercises, which are reportedly scheduled from April 21 to May 9 across several locations in the Philippines.Guo pointed out that the international community is currently grappling with the effects of unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonic bullying.
He noted that countries in the region are eager to foster unity and cooperation, safeguard regional stability, and collectively address challenges.In this context, Guo criticized the Philippines for conducting military exercises in collaboration with external countries.
These actions, which involve the introduction and deployment of strategic and tactical weapons, undermine regional stability and economic growth, said Guo, adding that the Philippines' stance has openly positioned itself in opposition to other regional countries and has sparked widespread aversion and opposition across the region.Meanwhile, a United States missile system is being deployed in the waters between China's Taiwan region and the Philippines, according to Global Times.Guo said the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and is at the core of China's core interests.China firmly opposes any country using the Taiwan question as a pretext to enhance military deployment in the region, provoke tensions and confrontation and undermine regional peace and stability, the spokesperson stated.China urges the parties concerned to refrain from provocation on this matter, Guo said, adding that "those who play with fire will perish by it."Read more: China urges the Philippines to stop provocations in South China Sea