Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has issued a stern warning to the Philippines regarding the deployment of US intermediate-range missiles, asserting that such a move could fuel regional tensions and potentially trigger an arms race. His statement comes in the wake of the United States deploying its Typhon missile system to the Philippines earlier this year as part of joint military drills. While the missile system was not fired during the exercises, a Philippine military official later confirmed its presence in the country without disclosing the duration of its deployment.
During a meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in Vientiane, Laos, Wang emphasized that China-Philippines relations are at a critical juncture and underscored the importance of dialogue and consultation to address existing challenges. He expressed concern that the Philippines has deviated from previously agreed upon consensus and commitments by allowing the US missile deployment.
Wang asserted that introducing the US intermediate-range missile system into the Philippines would inevitably create tension and confrontation in the region, ultimately leading to an arms race. He argued that such a development would be detrimental to the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people.
The Philippine military and foreign ministry have yet to respond to Wang’s remarks. The warning comes amidst a long-standing territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, with tensions escalating as Beijing asserts its claims to disputed shoals within Manila’s exclusive economic zone.
In a conciliatory gesture, Wang mentioned that China has reached a temporary agreement with the Philippines concerning the transportation and replenishment of humanitarian supplies to Ren’ai Jiao, also known as Second Thomas Shoal. This agreement aims to maintain stability in the maritime situation. The Philippine foreign ministry confirmed that its vessels successfully completed their latest mission to the shoal without encountering any obstructions.
