Philippines: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warns U. S. against putative launch of intermediate-range missiles; says such acts will spur tension in South-East Asia and prompt an arms race.
The United States deployed the recently used Typhon missile system in the Philippines during the joint military exercise. Although the missile system was not deployed during these emulation exercises, a Philippine military information officer affirmed its existence, although he could not determine how long it was stationed.
Specifically, at a time of the meeting in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Wang Yi urged his counterpart from the Philippines Enrique Manalo. This meeting came at a time when diplomats of many world’s leading countries convened for imminent summits. The statement from the Chinese foreign ministry explains Wang Yi’s statement on the fact that the China-Philippines relationship is at a crucial point as for the Philippine side the repeated violations of bilateral agreements and undertakings are noted.
Wang Yi said that some people in the United States are considering placing intermediate-range missiles in the Philippines which will only add to tensions in confrontation with other nations and will result in an arms race that is inimical to the wishes and aspirations of the Filipino people. As to the issue, the Philippines deployment of the U. S. intermediate-range missile system will fuel regional conflict and confrontation, likely an arms race, contrary to the Filipino people’s desire, Wang said. The Philippine military and foreign ministry have not yet given their comments on the request made on Wang’s statements.
Presently, the South China Sea constantly poses problems as China and the Philippines continue to argue over the rights in the area. Occurrences have increased when Beijing has remained assertive and aggressive over the disputed features within Manila’s economic exclusion zone. The situation has fostered a more alert attitude and elevation of the guard, as well as the activity of maritime patrols of both countries in the area.
China’s Wang Yi stressed a recent short-term deal between China and the Philippines to ensure order in the maritime area. This agreement assists in the transportation of humanitarian aid to Ren’ai Jiao which is also called the Second Thomas Shoal. The following development is to make sure that the humanitarian aid gets to the area of concern without increasing strife. Thus, the Philippine foreign ministry stated that the latest mission of Philippine vessels to the shoal was accomplished with no hurdles.
Sino-Philippine relations began in the 1940s and have since seen an array of mutual engagements, especially over the issue of the South China Sea. The area is endowed with resources and is strategically significant for military purposes, as a result, it becomes an area of conflict among countries. There is also the problem of the United States’ participation through exercising its military presence through military maneuvers and possible deployment of missiles in the region. America is a close friend of the Filipinos and has always stood on the side of the Philippines on the issue of the South China Sea territorial concern against China’s aggression.
The firing of the Typhon missile system by America is perceived by China as an act of provocation that might foster a conflict in the already sensitive region. The threats that Wang Yi gave highlighted China’s general sensitivity to the positioning of U. S. military installations in the region as a threat to its security.
In the same regard, one can predict that due to global politics and peace increasing tensions, diplomacy and negotiations will play significant roles in the future evolution of the situation. The recent brief arrangement of humanitarian aid is rather a commitment for the transition period, and the long-term development will require more negotiations and compromises.
More on topics of international relations and regional issues will be compiled in Aditya Singh Tharran.
