China: US missile system in PH worsens tensions in Asia Pacific

China has expressed “grave concern” over the US’ deployment of a medium-range missile system in the Asia Pacific, saying it worsens tensions in the region and increases the risk of misjudgment and miscalculation.

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian made the remark when asked for China’s comment on the mid-range capability missile system known as Typhon being placed in the Philippines amid joint military exercises in the country.

“China noted the announcement and expresses grave concern over the move. China strongly opposes the US deploying medium-range ballistic missiles in the Asia-Pacific and strengthening forward deployment at China’s doorstep to seek unilateral military advantage,” Lin said.

“The US’s move exacerbates tensions in the region and increases the risk of misjudgment and miscalculation. We urge the US to earnestly respect other countries’ security concerns, stop stoking military confrontation, stop undermining peace and stability in the region, and take concrete actions to reduce strategic risks,” he added.

Lin said the Philippines needed “to see and be mindful of what the US is truly after and the consequence of going along with the US on deploying MRBMs.” 

“The Philippines needs to think twice about being a cat’s paw for the US at the expense of its own security interests, and stop sliding down the wrong path,” Lin said.

Balikatan 2024 Executive Agent Colonel Mike Logico said the SM6 missile system would not be fired during the exercise.

“We are testing the feasibility of bringing this weapon system by air and offloading it into a secure and established place,” Logico said.

He said that the military exercises between the US and the Philippines are being conducted in northern Luzon is due to its proximity to Taiwan, a potential flashpoint of hostilities with China.

“The purpose of an armed forces– why we exist– is really to prepare for war. There’s no sugarcoating it. That’s absolutely true… With or without China, let’s say for example in a parallel universe China did not exist, we would still be doing these exercises,” Logico said.

Maritime expert Jay Batongbacal also agreed with the location of the exercises.

“Given the current geopolitical environment and concerns over China’s increasing aggressiveness, it’s alright, I think, to prepare for it,” Batongbacal said.

“It shows, in case of any contingency, there’s the capability to respond. It gives assurance that anyone attempting to destabilize the region will not have an easy time. There’s a deterrence factor as well,” he added.

Ahead of the joint military exercises between the Philippines and the US, Lin said on Wednesday “urged the Philippines to stop making maritime provocations.”

“To hand over one’s security to forces outside the region will only lead to greater insecurity and turn oneself into someone else’s chess piece,” Lin said.

“We urge relevant countries outside the region to stop stoking confrontation in the South China Sea,” he added.

The 2024 Balikatan, which will run from April 22 to May 10, will be the biggest iteration of the annual joint military exercise with the participation of various government agencies and the armed forces of more nations.

The drills will be observed by several countries including Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The joint exercises will also take the military forces to the northern tip of the Philippines near Taiwan to conduct drills for the possible armed conflict between China and the territory, which it considers a rogue province. —NB, GMA Integrated News