China has objected to the deployment of American mid-range missile system in the Philippines, saying the move “fuels tension in the region that could possibly escalate into geopolitical tension and an arms race.”
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in collaboration with the United States Navy, held a maritime cooperative activity on Wednesday in the West Philippine Sea.
“Let me stress once again that by letting the US deploy the missile system on Philippine soil, the Philippines is enabling a country outside the region to fuel tensions and antagonism in this region, and incite geopolitical confrontation and arms race,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.
He urged both nations to “pull out the missile system as publicly pledged, and stop prolonging the wrongful act.”
During the US-PH 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo dismissed China’s claims as “false,” stating that the missile systems are intended to enhance defensive capabilities and are not meant for offensive purposes.
Manalo emphasized that he does not foresee how these defensive measures could escalate into an arms race.
Manalo also stressed that the deepening relations between the US and the Philippines are not intended to pose a threat to any nation, as they are founded on “shared adherence to democratic values and social justice” and the “strong people-to-people relationship.”
“The Philippine-U.S. alliance and friendship has withstood the test of time,” Manalo said.
“And I can say that aside from having shared interests, strategic – shared strategic outlook, I think all those factors will combine to ensure that our relationship continues beyond perhaps seven decades and even more. So I think that is the best way to describe the state of our relationship. I believe our relationship is at a high point,” he added.
The maritime affair was held inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, in the waters west of Palawan. It featured the USS Mobile (LCS 26) and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16).
The exercise included a series of events designed to enhance communication and operational coordination between the two navies. These events comprised a communications check exercise, division tactics, officer of the watch maneuver exercise, photographic exercise, and cross deck exercise.
The primary objective was to strengthen the interoperability and cooperative capabilities of the
Philippine Navy and the US Navy. By conducting these exercises, both navies aim to improve their readiness and ability to operate together in ensuring maritime security and stability in the region.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. underscored the significance of such cooperative activities in maintaining regional peace and security.
"These joint exercises with our ally are crucial in enhancing our naval capabilities and ensuring that we can effectively collaborate to safeguard our maritime interests. The partnership between the Philippine Navy and the United States Navy continues to be a pillar of regional stability," Brawner said.
“The successful execution of these maritime exercises underscores the strong defense ties between the Philippines and the United States and their shared commitment to upholding freedom of navigation and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.” AFP spokesman Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.
