Following statements from the Philippine Army about the possible deployment of the United States' Mid-Range Capability Missile System in the Philippines beyond September, Chinese Foreign Minister Lin Jian expressed concerns, urging the Philippines to understand the "real intentions" behind the US move.
In a press conference, Lin stated that the deployment of US missiles in the Philippines could provoke geopolitical tensions, escalate conflicts in the region, and threaten regional peace and stability. "This move by the US and the Philippines incites geopolitical confrontation, escalates tensions in the region, and harms regional peace and stability. It has aroused high vigilance and concerns of countries in the region," he remarked.
He further emphasized that China has consistently opposed this deployment and cautioned the Philippines against becoming a "cat's paw" for the US, potentially compromising its own security interests. Lin urged the Philippines to retract the missiles "as publicly pledged."
The Philippine Army had initially announced in July that the missile system would be removed by September. However, this statement was later clarified, with the Army suggesting the deployment could extend beyond September, depending on the results of the ongoing Salaknib training exercises between the US and Philippine forces.
Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala explained, "There is no specific removal date. What I said before is that Salaknib will culminate by September. However, every time Salaknib ends, there will be an evaluation if the objectives of the exercise have been met. If the objectives are not yet met, this deployment may continue."
As of the latest update, the Armed Forces of the Philippines had not yet responded to China's comments.
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