China 's foreign ministry on Thursday urged the Philippines to return to 'peaceful development,' saying Manila's decision to deploy a U.S. medium-range missile system in military exercises would only bring the risks of an arms race in the region.The U.S. Typhon system, which can be equipped with cruise missiles capable of striking Chinese targets, was brought in for joint exercises earlier this year.
On Tuesday, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the Typhon's deployment for joint exercises was 'legitimate, legal and beyond reproach.' Army chief Roy Galido said on Monday that the Philippines was also planning to acquire its own mid-range missile system.Rivalry between China and the Philippines has grown in recent years over their competing claims in the South China Sea. Longtime treaty allies Manila and Washington have also deepened military ties, further ratcheting up tensions.'By cooperating with the United States in the introduction of Typhon, the Philippine side has surrendered its own security and national defence to others and introduced the risk of geopolitical confrontation and an arms race in the region, posing a substantial threat to regional peace and security,' said Mao Ning, a spokesperson at China's foreign ministry.'We once again advise the Philippine side that the only correct choice for safeguarding its security is to adhere to strategic autonomy, good neighbourliness and peaceful development,' Mao told reporters at a regular press conference.China will never sit idly by if its security interests were threatened, she added.The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.GMA News Online has requested comment from Malacañang, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of National Defense, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) regarding the statements of the Chinese foreign ministry, but they have yet to respond as of posting tim
China Philippines US Missile System South China Sea Arms Race Geopolitical Tensions
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Philippines Files Diplomatic Protest Against China Over Scarborough Shoal IncidentThe Philippines will file a diplomatic protest against China following an incident where Chinese vessels rammed and fired cannons at Philippine ships within Philippine waters on December 4, 2024. The Department of Foreign Affairs has condemned these actions, asserting that the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels were operating within legal rights.
Read more »
Philippines to File Diplomatic Protest Against China for Harassing Ship in Scarborough ShoalThe Philippines plans to file a diplomatic protest against China's Coast Guard for allegedly firing water cannons at a Filipino patrol ship near Bajo de Masinloc. The protest comes as part of the country's efforts to assert its territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Read more »
Philippines to File Another Diplomatic Protest Against China Over Recent Aggressions in West Philippine SeaThe Philippines plans to file another diplomatic protest against China for recent aggressive actions in Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines says it was within its legal rights, and China's actions are considered illegal.
Read more »
Philippines Files Another Diplomatic Protest Against China Over West Philippine SeaThe Philippines has filed another diplomatic protest against China's latest aggressions in Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, bringing the total number of protests this year to 60 and 193 since President Marcos Jr. took office.
Read more »
Philippines Files Diplomatic Protest Against China Over Harassment in West Philippine SeaChinese Coast Guard and Navy vessels harassed a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel near Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales, prompting a diplomatic protest from the Philippines on December 5, 2024. The Philippines has filed over 60 protests in 2024 alone and 193 since the Marcos administration.
Read more »
The Philippines to File Diplomatic Protest Against China Over Naval HarassmentThe Philippines stated it would file a diplomatic protest against China for the harassment of a fisheries ship. A China Coast Guard (CCG) ship fired a water cannon at a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) boat near Bajo de Masinloc, marking the first documented instance of PLA Navy involvement. The Philippines has filed 193 protests against China under the Marcos administration from July 1, 2022, to Dec. 5, 2024.
Read more »