US Marines with 3rd Marine Regiment quickly return to their Amphibious Assault Vehicle to grab extra equipment needed on the firing line during a bilateral amphibious landing by the Philippine and U.S. Marines on North Beach at the Naval Education Training Center in Zambales, Philippines on April 21, 2015, as part of exercise Balikatan. US Marine Corps/Cpl. Matthew Bragg
Beijing gave a vague answer when asked to comment on the expanded military exercises between the Philippines and United States in the disputed South China Sea.
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said in a press briefing that the agency took notice of the report on the doubling of troops participating in the joint training.
The official also urged the parties to "do more to enhance security" in the region.
"We have noted the relevant report and hope that relevant countries will do more to enhance security [and] mutual trust among countries in the region and promote regional peace and stability," Hong said in a transcript of the briefing released Tuesday.
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei faces the media for a regular briefing on April 20, 2015. FMPRC
The remark came as China repeatedly insists on the legality of its massive reclamation activities in maritime features claimed by its neighbors, including the Philippines, amid expressions of opposition from the United States and the Group of Seven, or G7 nations.
Hong, meanwhile, also maintained that the South China Sea dispute is not an issue between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Asked to react to President Benigno Aquino's plan to raise the concern over China's island-building work in what the Philippines calls the West Philippine Sea, Hong slammed unnamed countries' attempt to soil China's reputation.
"The Chinese side is always against the attempt of few countries to damage the friendly relationship of cooperation between China and ASEAN by making use of the South China Sea issue," he said.
He also mentioned Beijing's commitment to its "dual-track approach" by insisting on bilateral consultations and negotiations with rival claimants.
Manila, however, has resorted to a United Nations arbitration on the issue after admitting that previous years' attempts to settle with China reached a "dead end."
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/04/22/1446656/china-balikatan-nations-do-more-boost-security
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