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Drills in South China Sea aimed at NATO expansion, Russian diplomat says

According to Maria Zakharova, the world majority understands that "such expansion of the West is not aimed at ensuring and strengthening regional security"

MOSCOW, April 10. /TASS/. The goal of the drills of Australia, the Philippines, the US, and Japan in the South China Sea is NATO expansion, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

"Unfortunately, the goal is exactly the same: NATO expansion, including in the other regions of the world," the diplomat said in reply to a corresponding question.

According to her, the world majority understands that "such expansion of the West is not aimed at ensuring and strengthening regional security," but "exactly the opposite."

Philippine Defense Ministry earlier reported that Australia, the US, the Philippines, and Japan have held drills in the South China Sea to improve operational and tactical compatibility between the militaries.

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Foreign policy South China Sea Maria Zakharova

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