China warns Philippines against offending China's core interest in any form

BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday issued a stern warning to the Philippines against offending China's core interest in any form.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference when asked about Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong's appearance in the waters north of the Philippines during a recent Philippine-U.S. joint exercise, as well as the Philippine Navy spokesperson's claim about potential joint exercises involving Philippine and Taiwan troops.