INTERNEWSTIMES.COM – China has voiced strong opposition to the United States’ recent deployment of intermediate-range missiles in the Philippines, arguing that the move jeopardizes regional peace and stability. This statement was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, in New York on Saturday.
The U.S. has stationed the Typhon system, capable of launching cruise missiles that could potentially reach Chinese targets, in the Philippines earlier this year. China has demanded the removal of the system, with Russia joining the chorus of condemnation and accusing the U.S. of fueling an arms race in the region.
Minister Wang asserted that the missile deployment is detrimental to the interests of regional countries. The Philippines, situated near Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, holds significant strategic importance for the U.S. in Asia. The Philippines’ proximity to Taiwan makes it a vital staging point for the U.S. military should a conflict erupt between China and Taiwan.
During the meeting, Wang also appealed to South Korea to actively work towards preventing the outbreak of war or chaos on the Korean Peninsula. He highlighted the robust exchanges and cooperation between China and South Korea throughout the year.
The deployment of these U.S. missiles in the Philippines has added another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between China and the U.S. It remains to be seen how this latest development will impact the regional security landscape and the dynamics between these major powers. (Red)
