China Warns Philippines Over US Missile Deployments and Disputed Waters

The Ministry of National Defense issued a warning to the Philippines on Thursday, cautioning that the country's actions would ultimately be detrimental. The ministry stated that inviting such elements into one's own territory would inevitably have negative consequences, as tensions rise over the deployment of US missile systems in the region.

This statement was made by Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the ministry, during a regular news conference in Beijing. The remarks were a response to the Philippine military's confirmation that an anti-ship missile launcher remained on Philippine territory following joint exercises with the United States.

Philippine officials have stated that the system is intended to deter any potential aggression. Reports also indicate that the US is considering deploying a second missile system within the Southeast Asian country.

Zhang accused the Philippines of escalating tensions through the introduction of strategic and tactical weapons. He characterized the country's actions as aligning itself with the US and acting as an accomplice. He further stated that this undermines regional security and stability, violating the common interests of regional countries.

The spokesperson urged the Philippines to learn from historical events and avoid repeating past errors. He also criticized a new initiative by the Philippine government that encourages increased fishing activity in waters near the Nansha Islands.

Zhang asserted China's indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their surrounding waters. He accused the Philippines of using fishing activities as a pretext to infringe upon China's sovereignty and make provocations, stating that such actions would be unsuccessful. He concluded by stating that China would continue to strengthen its administrative control of the waters and firmly protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.