The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday expressed deep concern over China’s recent military and coast guard actions around Taiwan.

The agency believes China’s conduct erodes regional peace and stability in the broader Indo-Pacific community.

“Basic principles of self-restraint must be observed, and the rule of international law must not be distorted. The Philippines underscores the importance of upholding international law and regional norms, including the principles of peaceful management of disputes,” the DND said in a statement.

The Philippines, the DND declared, stands by resolving conflicts through peaceful means.

“We reaffirm our support for a free, open, stable, and rules-based Indo Pacific, where differences are resolved through peaceful means without deception, coercion, or intimidation,” it concluded.

China conducted live-fire exercises that lasted 10 hours and touted new assault ships in waters off Taiwan on Tuesday, Reuters reported.