Beijing — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has issued a warning to the Philippines regarding the deployment of the U.S. intermediate-range missile system, cautioning that such actions could heighten regional tensions and lead to an arms race.
The warning comes after the United States deployed its Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system to the Philippines as part of joint military drills earlier this year. Although the missile system was not fired during the exercises, details on its duration in the Philippines remain undisclosed.
In a meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in Vientiane, Laos, Wang Yi emphasized that China-Philippines relations are at a critical juncture, and that dialogue and consultation are essential for resolution. According to a Chinese foreign ministry statement, Wang Yi expressed concerns over the Philippines’ actions, which he claimed have repeatedly violated bilateral consensus and commitments.
“If the Philippines introduces the U.S. intermediate-range missile system, it will create tension and confrontation in the region and trigger an arms race, which is completely not in line with the interests and wishes of the Filipino people,” Wang stated.
The Philippine military and foreign ministry have yet to respond to requests for comments on Wang’s remarks.
South China Sea Tensions: China and the Philippines are currently engaged in a confrontation in the South China Sea, with increased tension over disputed shoals within Manila’s exclusive economic zone. Despite these challenges, both nations recently reached a temporary agreement on the transportation and replenishment of humanitarian supplies to the Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal.
During their meeting, Manalo and Wang Yi reaffirmed their commitment to the provisional arrangement, emphasizing that it would not affect their respective territorial positions in the South China Sea. Manalo highlighted the importance of the agreement in defusing tensions and preventing further incidents.
“We would honor the provisional agreement in a clear and sincere effort to defuse tensions and try and prevent any incidents of course from leading to further tension in our relationship,” diplomatic sources quoted Manalo as saying.
Philippine vessels successfully completed their latest mission to the shoal on Saturday without any interference, according to a statement from Manila’s foreign ministry.