In response to media reports that Philippines and Canada signed a military pact on Sunday and one of the purposes of the pact is to "target China's military activities in the South China Sea," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated Monday that China has always held the view that defense and security cooperation between countries should not target any third party or harm the interests of third parties.

Showing off military strength and provoking confrontation are not conducive to regional peace and stability, Mao said.