The Philippines has the right to enhance its defense system at any time it wants, and no other nation can interfere with the country’s enforcement of its military operations, according to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro.

“If China really believes and is concerned about peace and stability in the region, they should abide by the international law. They should also respect the sovereignty of each country,” Castro told reporters in a press conference at Malacañang on Thursday.

“The Philippines is no one’s chess piece. We are an independent country,” she added.

Castro made the remarks after the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson commented on the upcoming visit of United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to the Philippines.

“Any defense or security cooperation between the Philippines and other countries should not target any third party or harm their interest, still less threaten regional peace or escalate tensions in the region,” the Chinese official. 

The official added, “Those who willingly serve as chess pieces will be deserted in the end.”

China cautioned the Philippines to “stop serving as other countries’ mouthpiece and no more stunt for personal political agenda.”