“We think maintaining peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region is in line with the joint efforts of all the relevant parties. At the same time, all sides should make constructive efforts and play constructive roles. We hope that the relevant US-PH activities can work in this direction as well,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said when asked to comment about the current Balikatan exercises being done by US-PH military.

The question was, “The Philippines and the US held a joint military drill today. How does China respond?” China always emphasizes that peace and order in the Asia Pacific must be in effort of countries composing the region. Activities done must contribute to the stability of the region, including US-PH alliance and military exercises.

Balikatan exercise will run From May 5, 2014 to May 16, 2014. “Let us once again work shoulder-to-shoulder for the success of the Balikatan exercise 2014. May we assure that our alliance remains responsive and modernize to address the challenges of the 21st century, to maintain stability in Southeast Asia and in greater Asia Pacific,” Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Emmanuel Bautista said.

China’s military alliance with Russia

It was reported last week that China will be conducting military exercise with its ally Russia. “These drills are regular exercises held by China and Russia’s navies, and the purpose is to deepen practical co-operation between the two militaries, to raise the ability to jointly deal with maritime security threats,” defence ministry of China said.