Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun affirmed that the introduction of medium-range missiles in the region represents a threat to peace and stability, as well as to the security of other Southeast Asian countries.

The spokesman also recalled that the Philippines had committed to a temporary deployment of the “Typhon” system until the end of the military exercises.

However, it is now raising its possible purchase and linking the issue to disputes in the South China Sea.

Guo emphasized that the Philippines’ cooperation with the United States on this issue increases the risk of geopolitical confrontation and an arms race in the region.

In this regard, China urged Manila to reconsider its stance and make decisions in the interest of its national security.

Although the two countries recently held the tenth meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism to address disputes in the region, bilateral tensions have remained.

Beijing lodged formal protests over Manila’s recent activities in the area and urged strict compliance with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

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