China Slams US Missile Deployment in Philippines, Accuses Manila of Betrayal and Threat

China's Firm Opposition to US Missile Deployment in the Philippines

China has repeatedly expressed its strong opposition to the deployment of the US Typhon mid-range missile system in the Philippines. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that the Typhon system is not a defensive weapon, but rather a strategic and offensive one, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads.

Mao questioned the Philippines' decision to bring in the Typhon system, stating that it jeopardizes the country's national security and defense by placing it in the hands of others. She also criticized the move for introducing geopolitical confrontation and an arms race into the region, posing a significant threat to regional peace and security.

Mao pointed out that the Philippines had previously promised not to choose sides between major countries, not engage in activities that harm China's interests, and not incite tensions in the region. However, she argued that the country's actions contradict these promises, as it has collaborated with an external force to deploy military forces and stoke confrontation in the region.

Mao urged the Philippines to uphold strategic independence, good-neighborliness, friendship, and peaceful development as the only way to safeguard its national security. She also called on the Philippines to heed the call of regional countries, quickly withdraw the missile system, and stop aggravating its wrongful act.

In addition to Mao's statement, Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, condemned the Philippines' repeated violation of China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. He accused the Philippines of playing victim to elicit sympathy and cause confusion in the international community.

Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, viewed the Philippines' actions as a provocation and an attempt to mislead the international community. He warned that the deployment of medium-range missiles could trigger an arms race among regional countries and undermine peace and stability in the area.