Manila Reassures Beijing Amidst Missile Deployment

Philippines Says US Missile System Won't Threaten China

Manila Reassures Beijing Amidst Missile Deployment

Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo:

• Sought to assure China that the US missile system's presence does not pose a threat.
• Stated that the system is purely defensive in nature.
• Emphasized the Philippines' commitment to maintaining friendly relations with both the US and China.

The Philippines has sought to reassure China that the presence of a US intermediate-range missile system on its territory is not a threat to Beijing.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had expressed concern over the deployment, which he said could destabilize the region.

However, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said that the system is purely defensive and is intended to deter potential aggressors.

He also emphasized the Philippines' commitment to maintaining friendly relations with both the US and China.

The US military has deployed the missile system, known as the Mid-Range Capability, to the Philippines in response to growing concerns about China's military buildup in the region.

The system is capable of firing Standard Missile-6 missiles, which have a range of up to 2,500 kilometers.

China has strongly condemned the deployment of the missile system, saying that it could trigger an arms race in the region.

However, the US has defended the deployment, saying that it is necessary to deter Chinese aggression.

The Philippines is located between China and the US, and has long sought to maintain a neutral stance in the rivalry between the two superpowers.

However, the deployment of the US missile system has put the Philippines in a difficult position, as it could be seen as a provocation by China.

It remains to be seen how the Philippines will balance its relationship with China and the US in the coming years.

According to a recent poll, 52% of Filipinos believe that the presence of the US missile system will make the country safer, while 35% believe it will make the country less safe.

The poll also found that 63% of Filipinos believe that the US is a more reliable ally than China.