BEIJING (Xinhua): China hails the Philippines for rebuffing attempts of some countries to incite tensions in the South China Sea, according to a foreign ministry spokesperson Wednesday.

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the comment at a press briefing in response to a question on Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s recent remarks on the South China Sea and bilateral relations.

Wang said some countries outside the region are trying to stir up trouble and create tension in the region, which go against the will of the regional countries.

Reportedly, citing an order by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Lorenzana said the Philippines would not join navies of other countries in maritime drills in the South China Sea for fear of raising tension in the area.

The Philippines advocates peaceful settlement of relevant disputes through legal means, Lorenzana said.

The Philippines and China have carried out many exchanges in epidemic control, people-to-people exchange and military, said Lorenzana, adding that it is believed that the two countries will gradually resume exchanges in various fields after the pandemic is overcome.

https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2020/08/06/china-welcomes-philippines039-stance-on-south-china-sea