国防部：菲方是南海和平稳定破坏者、麻烦制造者

MND: The Philippine Side Is the One Who Undermines Stability and Makes Troubles in the South China Sea

8月28日下午，国防部举行例行记者会，国防部新闻发言人张晓刚大校答记者问。

记者：据报道，近日菲律宾与澳大利亚在菲举行联合演习，美、加、日等国派员参演或观摩，菲军方称这是盟国对北京强硬行动发出的警告。此外，菲澳近期举行第2次防长会谈，宣称将加强防务合作，对中方位南海的行动表示严重关切。请问发言人有何评论？

Question: It is reported that the Philippines and Australia recently conducted a joint exercise in the Philippines. Countries including the US, Canada and Japan sent personnel to participate in or observe the event. The Philippine military claimed that this was a warning against Beijing’s assertive actions. Besides, the 2nd Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers’ Meeting was recently held. The two countries announced their willingness to strengthen defense cooperation and expressed grave concerns over China’s actions in the South China Sea. What is your take on this?

张晓刚：南海应成为和平之海、合作之海、友谊之海。菲方一再拉拢域外势力兴风作浪，妄图玩弄狐假虎威的把戏，破坏地区安全稳定。事实反复证明，菲方就是南海和平稳定破坏者、麻烦制造者，而个别域外国家唯恐南海不乱，怂恿支持菲律宾胡作非为，损害地区国家共同利益。中方维护自身领土主权和海洋权益的行动正当合法，将继续坚决回击一切侵权挑衅行径。

Zhang Xiaogang: The South China Sea should be a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship. The Philippine side, however, has repeatedly courted influence from outside powers to make waves in this area, playing the role of an ass in the lion’s skin. Its acts have jeopardized regional security and stability. Reality has proven time and again that the Philippine side is the one who undermines stability and makes troubles in the South China Sea. At the same time, certain external countries have instigated and supported the Philippines to take irresponsible actions that harm the shared interests of regional countries. China’s actions to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are justified and legitimate. We will take firm countermeasures against any provocative behaviors.