A significant geopolitical tension is unfolding in the Asia-Pacific region as China has strongly denounced the United States for deploying a mid-range missile system in the Philippines. The move, involving the U.S. Typhoon Mid-Range Capability missile system, marks the first overseas placement of such weaponry by the U.S. in this area since the end of the Cold War.
In a statement on Thursday, Chinese defense spokesperson Wu Qian expressed deep concern over the deployment, stating, \"The Chinese side is highly vigilant against and firmly opposed to this.\" Wu criticized the joint action of the U.S. and the Philippines, highlighting the increased risk of conflict and the potential undermining of regional security architecture and stability.
Wu emphasized that the mid-range missile system is a strategic and offensive weapon that harkens back to Cold War-era confrontations. According to him, the U.S.'s actions are an attempt to provoke bloc confrontation, strengthen military alliances, and restrict the security autonomy of other nations in the region. \"This will break the strategic balance in the region and create new tension and antagonism,\" Wu added.
The spokesperson further pointed out that the Philippines' alignment with U.S. military initiatives deviates from the guiding principles of ASEAN countries. Such actions, Wu argued, undermine the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the ASEAN-led framework for regional cooperation.
\"Those who invite wolves into their house will get bitten, and those who pull chestnuts out of the fire for others can only get themselves burned,\" Wu concluded, urging both the United States and the Philippines to respect the security concerns of regional countries and to cease such dangerous military endeavors immediately.
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China denounces U.S. deployment of missile system in the Philippines
cgtn.com
