China alarmed by US missile deployment in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — China has voiced significant alarm regarding the recent deployment of a U.S. mid-range missile system in the Philippines, describing the situation as “very dramatic” and warning that it could destabilize the region. Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo addressed these concerns during a news conference, stating that he reassured Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the missile system is only in the country temporarily. During discussions held last month in Laos, on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings, Wang expressed apprehension about the U.S. missile presence. Manalo, however, disagreed with the notion that the missile system poses a threat, asserting, “They’re not destabilizing.” He emphasized that the U.S. Army had transported the missile system to the northern Philippines as part of joint combat exercises, although it was not fired during these drills. The U.S. mid-range missile system, capable of launching the Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, is expected to be removed from the Philippines next month. China has consistently opposed the increased U.S. military presence in the region, arguing that it jeopardizes regional stability and peace. This tension comes amid ongoing disputes in the South China Sea, where both China and the Philippines, along with other nations like Vietnam and Malaysia, have overlapping territorial claims. The situation remains delicate as the U.S. and the Philippines continue to condemn China's assertive actions in the contested waters, highlighting the complexities of regional security dynamics.