PH to China: US missile system not ‘destabilizing’
Metro Manila, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo assured his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, that the United States’ missile system currently deployed in the Philippines does not pose a threat to regional stability.
The US Army’s Typhon Medium Range Capability (MRC) was deployed in the Philippines in April as part of the Salaknib joint exercises between the Philippine and US armed forces.
The Philippine Army previously stated that the missile launcher is located in northern Luzon.
The Typhon system is a land-based, ground-launched platform capable of firing the Standard Missile 6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. The full configuration of the MRC includes a battery operations center, four launchers, prime movers, and modified trailers.
Manalo recalled his conversation with Wang in Vientiane, Laos, last month, where he assured the top Chinese diplomat that “there is nothing to be worried about.”
Wang initially told Manalo that China opposes the deployment of the missile system and is gravely concerned about it.
“He [Wang] said it could be destabilizing, the presence, and I said, no, they’re not destabilizing, and that I believe the particular missiles he’s referring to are only there temporarily,” Manalo said during a forum with foreign correspondents on Friday, August 16.
Wang also warned Manalo that if the Philippines introduces the US intermediate missile system, “it will create regional tension and confrontation, triggering an arms race.”
“I think they made it very dramatic. It was a warning. He mentioned it, and I said, you shouldn’t be worried,” Manalo shared during the forum.
Manalo added that he could not recall whether Wang had asked the Philippines to request the US to withdraw its missile system.
PH security engagements not aimed against any country
The DFA chief emphasized that the Philippines' efforts to expand its defense cooperation with other nations are not targeted at any particular country.
During the same forum, Manalo clarified that the Philippines’ recent security engagements are intended for the nation’s benefit.
“All of these activities we are undertaking are not aimed at any country; they are for the benefit of the Philippines. Through these various arrangements, our goal is to promote not only political security but also economic security,” he added.
In July, the Philippines signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan, and discussions for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement are underway with France and Canada.
