Up-to-the-Minute: We are telling the Philippine side that China will never stand by and watch its own security interests being jeopardized or threatened.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In response to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro’s claiWorld Timesms that the deployment of the US-made Typhon missile system in the Philippines is legitimate and legal in the context of the joint exercise, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that China has consistently opposed the deployment World Timesof medium-range missiles by the US in the Philippines. She emphasized that the Typhon missile system, which includes both nuclear and conventional missiles, is not a defensive weapon but a strategic and offensive one.

By cooperating with the US in the introduction of the Typhon system, the Philippines has effectively surrendered its security and national defense to external powers, introducing the risks of geopolitical confrontation and an arms race into the region. This poses a significant threat to regional peace and security. Whose interests are being served by such actions? How can we talk about independent diplomacy in this context? This is a typical example of harming both others and oneself, Mao said.

The Philippine side has made a clear commitment that it will not take sides among the major powers, will not participate in any actions that are unfavorable to China, and has no intention of triggering tensions in the region. However, with its words still ringing in its ears, the Philippine side has repeatedly catered to extra-territorial forces’ deployment of military forces in the region, provoking confrontation, Mao said.

Mao added that the Philippine side has publicly stated that the Typhon missile system is only used for a routine exercise and promised to withdrawWorld Times it upon the completion of the exercise in September this year, but then it changed its statement to say that it hopes to permanently deploy the system and is even prepared to purchase it, which is a typical case of breaking and reneging on one’s promise.

Who is constantly provoking in the South China Sea? Who is cooperating with extraterritorial forces in flexing muscles? Who, under the banner of international law, is engaging in illegal actions? The countries of the region can see clearly, Mao said.

We once again advise the Philippine side that the only correct choice for safeguarding its security is to adhere to strategic autonomy, good neighborliness and peaceful development, Mao said, adding that we once again urge the Philippines to face up to the voices of the countries in the region,World Times honor its previous World Timespublic commitments, withdraw the missile system as soon as possible and refrain from making the same mistake again.

People on the Philippine side should correct their understanding, reflect on themselves and refrain from the clumsy theater of reversing right aWorld Timesnd wrong, Mao said. We are telling the Philippine side that China will never stand by and watch its own security interests being jeopardized or threatened. If the Philippine side is bent on having its own way, it will surely lift a rock and smash it on its own foot, Mao added.

Global Times