A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday said the Philippines' collusion with the United States to make provocations -- conducting so-called patrols and exercises and deploying strategic and tactical weapons, seriously undermines the common interests of regional countries.

"We firmly oppose any country strengthening military deployment in the region and provoking tensions and confrontation under the excuse of the Taiwan question," Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, told a press conference.

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Zhang made the remarks in response to recent media reports about the deployment of an anti-ship missile system in the Philippines for the first time -- believed by some analysts to be intended to simulate a blockade of the Bashi Channel in the event of a crisis in the Taiwan Strait.

China always holds that military cooperation between countries should not target or hurt the interests of any third party, nor should it jeopardize regional peace and stability, Zhang stressed.

"The South China Sea should be a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship," he added.

China-Cambodia stand together

China and Cambodia are ironclad friends who have always stood by each other through changing international circumstances, upholding trust, mutual support and shared progress, Zhang stressed.

He said that the Chinese military is committed to elevating its relations with Cambodia to a new level.

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Zhang noted that China is ready to work with Cambodia to make good use of the newly established "2+2" strategic dialogue mechanism between the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries.

The Chinese military is also willing to expand practical cooperation with the Cambodian side in areas such as education and training, joint exercises and drills, military medicine and health services, and equipment and technological exchange, he said.

High-quality military ties with Malaysia

Zhang stressed that China is willing to promote the high-standard and high-quality development of military relations with Malaysia.

The Chinese side is committed to further strengthening high-level exchanges and deepening strategic mutual trust with the Malaysian side, he added.

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He said the two militaries are expected to further expand cooperation in joint exercises and training, maritime security, and multilateral coordination