BEIJING. The Chinese government strongly criticized statements made by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro regarding the deployment of a U.S. missile system in the Philippines, labeling them as “baseless accusations” and a “malicious attack” on China’s ruling Communist Party.
Speaking to Philippine media on Tuesday, Teodoro emphasized the Philippines’ sovereign right to host the U.S. missile system despite Beijing’s objections. “The Philippines has the right to defend itself and pursue its national security interests,” Teodoro reportedly said, responding to China’s opposition to deploying the U.S. Typhon mid-range missile system.
In a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Beijing expressed its disapproval, accusing Teodoro of harboring “ideological bias, factional confrontation, and a cold war mentality.” The embassy also called on Manila to withdraw the missile system promptly, warning that such actions could further strain relations between the two nations.
The Chinese Embassy stated, “We urge the Philippine government to reconsider its actions that may escalate regional tensions and undermine peace and stability.”
The Philippine Embassy in Beijing has yet to comment on the matter, and Reuters’ request for a statement went unanswered. However, local media reports indicate that Teodoro’s remarks were made in direct response to criticisms from a Chinese government spokesperson who had denounced the missile system’s deployment as provocative.
China’s condemnation comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the growing U.S. military presence in the Philippines under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
As the situation develops, observers note the growing complexity of regional geopolitics and the Philippines’ balancing act between its defense ties with the United States and its economic relations with China.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
