China: Clinton’s comments of support for Philippines groundless

BEIJING – The head of a Chinese government think tank says China has no intention of invading the Philippines in response to a US pledge to help defend Manila’s interests amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday that Washington is committed to the Philippines’ defense following a series of Chinese intrusions into Philippine-claimed waters.

President of the China Institute of International Studies Qu Xing said Friday that it was based on a “totally groundless” premise that China would invade the Philippines.

“We have never sent troops to invade other countries and we have never used forces against other countries,” Qu told a media briefing.

Originally posted 2:11 pm | Friday, June 24th, 2011