China Expresses Alarm Over U.S. Mid-Range Missile Deployment in the Philippines

China expressed alarm over a U.S. mid-range missile system deployed to the Philippines, warning it could destabilize the region. Filipino Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo reassured China that the deployment is temporary. The U.S. military moved the system as part of joint exercises with the Philippines, amid ongoing regional tension in the South China Sea.

China has raised significant concerns regarding the deployment of a U.S. mid-range missile system to the Philippines, describing the situation as 'very dramatic' and capable of destabilizing the region. Filipino Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, however, sought to placate these concerns by confirming that the missile system is only a temporary measure.

During discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Laos at the ASEAN meetings last month, Manalo emphasized that there's no need for worry. Despite China's stance that the missile system could be 'destabilizing,' Manalo firmly disagreed, reiterating the temporary nature of the deployment.

The U.S. Army had transported the missile system, which can fire the Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, to the northern Philippines in April as part of joint military exercises with Philippine forces. No missile launches were conducted, and the system is slated to be removed next month.

China's opposition to increased U.S. military presence in the region has been vocal, warning that it could compromise both stability and peace. The situation remains tense as the U.S. and the Philippines condemn China's expanded assertions in the South China Sea, where multiple nations have overlapping territorial claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)