(Manila Comprehensive) The Philippines pointed out that strengthening relations with the United States and Japan is Manila's rights and "sovereignty choices", and no peaceful countries should regard this as a threat.

The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday (April 18) that Manila made this "sovereign choice" based on national interests and independent foreign policies, and urged China to reflect on its behavior in the South China Sea.

The first three -sided summit was held in Washington for the first time in April, and the "Joint Vision Statement" was issued to outline a series of economic and national defense cooperation in the Three Kingdoms, which caused a strong response in China.The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the relevant statement was "a wantonly discredited attack on China" and criticized the Philippines' provocations and the United States "stimulating the ignition and provoking confrontation", which led to the regional situation.

The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement to respond to China.The statement said: "For the root cause of the tension in the region, everyone knows. China should reflect on its behavior in the South China Sea."

The

statement also said that China's "excessive marine claims and aggression behavior", including the land reclamation land to make the islands and reefs military, all undermine regional peace and stability, and exacerbate tensions.

In addition, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Balillo pointed out on Thursday that the Coast Guard will participate in the United States' "Balikatan" annual joint military exercise next week.This will be the first time that the Philippine Coast Guard has participated in this joint military exercise.Previously, the Philippine Coast Guard only patrolled the surrounding waters to prevent someone from entering.

Balillo said that the Philippine Coast Guard will send six vessels to participate in the joint military exercise this year, including four 44 -meter -long multi -purpose patrol boats and two large patrol ships.

This year's "side -by -side" joint military exercise will be held from April 22nd to May 10th. It is expected that 16,700 soldiers will participate.The international waters of the side 12 nautical miles are held.Joint military exercise.On the west of Balawwa is the sovereign dispute between the Philippines and China.

"" "" "Surprograms of" joint military exercise Philippine leader Losco Shang Centalsen said on Wednesday (17th) that this year's exercise content will include simulation and sinking target ships, simulation and recovery near Taiwan.The islands, etc., are designed to show "our combat reserve status, and the coordinated work ability of the US and the Philippine armed forces."In addition to the United States and Philippines, Australia and France will also participate in some exercises this year.