China's foreign ministry said on Friday (March 28) the Philippines should not start a conflict in the South China Sea with U.S. support.

Cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines should not target third parties, ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press conference, when asked about U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent remarks.

"I would like to stress that there has never been any problem with freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea," Guo said.

Hegseth met with counterpart Gilberto Teodoro and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Manila on Friday, where they signalled continued strong cooperation amid growing threats from China. 

During their meetings, they emphasized a shared commitment to peace in the Indo-Pacific region and in the South China Sea, where Manila accuses Beijing of repeated hostile actions.

'SHOULDER TO SHOULDER'

Hegseth met Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos on Friday, saying the two countries must stand "shoulder to shoulder" in the face of the threat represented by China.

"Deterrence is necessary around the world but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the Communist Chinese," he said.

US, Philippines must stand 'shoulder to shoulder' in face of China threat: Hegseth

Hegseth's Manila visit follows months of confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed South China Sea.

Beijing claims almost the entirety of the crucial waterway, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no merit. - reports from Reuters, Agence France-Presse