China has warned the Philippines against welcoming “predators” in the region, responding to the upcoming visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on March 28.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing’s stance on US-Philippines military cooperation, emphasizing that it should not “target any third party or harm their interest, still less threaten regional peace or escalate tensions in the region.”
“Facts have repeatedly proven that nothing good could come out of opening the door to a predator. Those who willingly serve as chess pieces will be deserted in the end,” Guo said.
“Our message to some in the Philippines: stop serving as other countries’ mouthpiece and no more stunt for personal political agenda,” he added.
Earlier, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced Hegseth’s visit, including meetings with senior U.S. military and civilian officials, along with a series of bilateral engagements in the Philippines.
According to Parnell, the trip underscores the US’ commitment to strengthening alliances and deepening cooperation with like-minded nations.