China warns Philippines against US intermediate-range missile deployment
WORLD, July 28 (YPA) – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned the Philippines over the US intermediate-range missile deployment, saying such a move could fuel regional tensions and spark an arms race.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
Wang pointed out that China-Philippines relations are now at a crossroads and there is no way out of conflict and confrontation, except for dialogue and consultation.
He said Beijing and Manila are neighbors across the sea, and good neighborliness, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development are in the fundamental interests of the two countries.
Wang pointed out that China-Philippines relations are now at a crossroads and there is no way out of conflict and confrontation, except for dialogue and consultation.
He added that bilateral relations are facing serious difficulties and challenges because the Philippines has “repeatedly violated the consensus of both sides and its own commitments.”
“If the Philippines introduces the US intermediate-range missile system, it will create tension and confrontation in the region and trigger an arms race, which is completely not in line with the interests and wishes of the Filipino people,” he warned.
In related news, the Chinese Foreign Minister confirmed that Beijing “will respond firmly” to any violation by the Philippines of a recent agreement to ease tensions between the two countries in the South China Sea.
@E.Y.M