China warns Philippines ‘threatening regional peace' after US approves jet sale
China on Wednesday warned the Philippines against threatening 'regional peace' after the United States said it had approved the possible sale of $5.58 billion in F-16 fighter jets to Manila.
'The Philippines' defense and security cooperation with other countries should not target any third party or harm the interests of a third party. Nor should it threaten regional peace and security or exacerbate regional tensions,' foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.
Chinese foreign ministry also urged certain people in the Philippines not to make 'unfounded comments' regarding Taiwan, warning 'those who play with fire will burn themselves.'
Jiakun's remarks at a regular press conference came in response to Philippine armed forces chief Romeo Brawner telling soldiers to 'start planning for actions in case there is an invasion of Taiwan'.
'If something happens to Taiwan, inevitably we will be involved,' Brawner said in a speech on Tuesday.
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