President Aquino said on Tuesday that tensions in the South China Sea caused by incidents between and among claimant-countries only “promote” the arms race in the region. 

In turn, he said, this raises the “potential for conflict” in the disputed area and may “force” the Philippines to increase its military capabilities, as well.

During his dialog with Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie on Monday, Mr. Aquino said the “focus” of the Philippines was prosperity in Asia among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and its trading partners, which include China.

“We have to focus on economic development to lessen the tension. The view should always be economic development for all and not only a few. So they agreed with us and [said] they would convey this to their state leadership,” the President said.