Tan Kefei, spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, holds a press conference in Beijing, China, on May 16, 2023. (PHOTO / MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, CHINA)

Defense cooperation between countries should not harm the interests of third parties, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense said on Thursday

Senior Colonel Tan Kefei made the remarks in response to a recent joint patrol conducted by the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea, adding that China is closely following the situation.

China has always believed that defense and security cooperation between relevant countries should not harm the interests of third parties or regional peace and stability, he said.

The South China Sea is the shared home of regional countries, said Tan.

"We firmly oppose the US involving itself in the South China Sea issue for its own selfish interests, disguising its actions under the pretext of 'freedom of navigation' to show off its military power and undermine the peace and stability of the region," he said.

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The Chinese military always firmly defends national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and resolutely maintains peace and stability in the South China Sea, the spokesman added.