China said today that the Philippines ‘ plan to deploy medium-range missiles would be a provocative step that would inflame regional tensions.
A senior Philippine military official told reporters in Manila earlier on Monday that the military plans to acquire a medium-range system to defend the country’s territory amid tensions with China in the South China Sea.
“Yes, there are plans, there are negotiations, because we see their feasibility and the possibility of adapting to them,” said Philippine Army Lieutenant General Rui Galido, according to The Associated Press.
The United States deployed the medium-range “Typhoon” missile system in the northern Philippines in April, and troops from the two countries are jointly training for the possible use of heavy weapons.
China opposes US military assistance to the Philippines and was particularly concerned about the deployment of the “typhoon”system.
It is noteworthy that under US President Joe Biden, the United States strengthened a package of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to confront China, including any confrontation over Taiwan.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the Philippines ‘ deployment of the weapon would intensify the geopolitical confrontation and the arms race.
“It is a very irresponsible choice for the history of the Philippines, its people and the entire Southeast Asia, as well as for the security of the region,”she said in a daily briefing.
