German chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) welcomes Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. (R) with an official ceremony in Berlin, Germany on March 12, 2024. (Anadolu)
ISTANBUL – Beijing on Wednesday voiced hope that military cooperation between Germany and the Philippines contributes to peace, stability, and development in the South China Sea region.
Asking about the recent commitment made by leaders of Germany and the Philippines to deepen military ties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin is hopeful that “cooperation between relevant countries is conducive to peace, stability, and development in the region."
"This is our consistent position," Wang added.
On Tuesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on China and regional countries to resolve tensions in the disputed South China Sea peacefully.
Scholz met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who was in Germany for a three-day working visit.
He added: "We want to do whatever we can to help settle tensions in a peaceful manner. Therefore, ASEAN’s (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea is therefore of the utmost importance, de-escalation must always be our priority.”
The South China Sea has seen rising tension between China, the Philippines, and other nations in recent years, and in particular the last several months. (Anadolu)
