China does not oppose normal cooperation between the US and the Philippines, but maintains that such cooperation should not target any third party or harm the interests of third parties, China's foreign ministry said Tuesday.

Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during a regular press conference in Beijing after the US Embassy in the Philippines announced days earlier that it had launched a center in Palawan to help local fishermen report suspected illegal fishing activities.

File photo of Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. (Photo: VCG)

"We have taken note of relevant reports and will keep a close watch on the situation," Lin told the conference.

China believes that exchanges and cooperation between countries should help enhance mutual understanding and trust among regional countries and contribute to peace and stability in the region, the spokesperson noted.

"We do not oppose normal cooperation between the US and the Philippines. However, such cooperation should not target third parties or harm the interests of third parties," Lin said.