China Warns Philippines Against Military Buildup, Citing Risk of Backfire

China's Ministry of National Defense issued a warning to the Philippines, cautioning that its actions could have negative consequences. The ministry emphasized that the Asia-Pacific region should be a zone of peace and development, not a stage for major power competition.

The warning came from Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a ministry spokesman, during a regular news conference in Beijing. The remarks were in response to the Philippines' recent statements regarding the presence of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (Nmesis), an anti-ship missile launcher, on its territory following joint exercises with the United States.

The Philippines has stated that the presence of the Nmesis is intended to deter any potential aggression. Furthermore, reports indicate that the United States is considering deploying another Typhon intermediate-range missile system in the Southeast Asian country.

Zhang criticized the Philippines for escalating its actions by introducing strategic and tactical weapons, comparing the move to aligning itself with the United States and acting as an accomplice. He argued that this undermines regional security and stability, violating the common interests of the region's people.

The spokesman warned that such actions could backfire, potentially leading to the destruction of the Philippines' own interests. He urged the Philippines to learn from historical events and avoid repeating past mistakes.