國防部：菲方是南海和平穩定破壞者、麻煩制造者

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

8月28日下午，國防部舉行例行記者會，國防部新聞發言人張曉剛大校答記者問。

記者：據報道，近日菲律賓與澳大利亞在菲舉行聯合演習，美、加、日等國派員參演或觀摩，菲軍方稱這是盟國對北京強硬行動發出的警告。此外，菲澳近期舉行第2次防長會談，宣稱將加強防務合作，對中方位南海的行動表示嚴重關切。請問發言人有何評論？

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?

張曉剛：南海應成為和平之海、合作之海、友誼之海。菲方一再拉攏域外勢力興風作浪，妄圖玩弄狐假虎威的把戲，破壞地區安全穩定。事實反復證明，菲方就是南海和平穩定破壞者、麻煩制造者，而個別域外國家唯恐南海不亂，慫恿支持菲律賓胡作非為，損害地區國家共同利益。中方維護自身領土主權和海洋權益的行動正當合法，將繼續堅決回擊一切侵權挑釁行徑。

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.