DASMARIÑAS VILLAGE, Makati City — Hinting a lesser stance in its criticism over the deployment of American-made missile defenses in Northern Luzon, China’s foreign ministry has reverted to a call for a 'peaceful development' amidst claims that the military's joint exercise with the United States would only bring the risks of an arms race in the Asia-Pacific region.

Prior to this, China had expressed strong opposition to the deployment of the US mid-range capability (MRC) Typhon missile system, which can be equipped with cruise missiles capable of striking Chinese targets. The MRC was brought into the country for the Salaknib 24 joint exercises earlier in April the current year.

Despite Beijing's protestations, however, defense secretary Gilbert 'Gibo' Teodoro Jr. justified the missile deployment as part of the Philippines' efforts to maintain its sovereignty and integrity through its defense capability.

In response, the Chinese Embassy in Manila accused Teodoro of contradicting President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.'s directive to ease tensions in the South China Sea through dialogue. It also took exception to the defense chief's accusation that the Communist Party of China was interfering in Philippine affairs.

At a news conference, Mao Ning, a spokesperson at the Chinese foreign ministry, warned that China would never sit idly by if its security interests were to be threatened.

To this, the Philippine embassy in China has not issued a response as of yet.

Meantime, Surigao del Norte District II representative Robert Ace Barbers expressed support to Sec. Teodoro's stand, asserting that China has “no business nor moral ascendancy” to meddle in the country’s plans to upgrade its military capabilities, including if it wants to buy midrange missiles and other armaments from other countries like the US.

Barbers likewise accused Beijing of “acting (out) to the max with (its) bullying tactics” after it called the deployment of the Typhon missile system a “provocative and dangerous move.”

“China has been meddling too much already in the affairs of our country. The Filipino people should unite to stop and counter their selfish motives in our country, especially when it comes to the West Philippine Sea,” he pointed out.
Furthermore, the Surigao lawmaker asked “what business is it of the Communist Party of China if the United States wants to bring in the missile system for joint exercises?” even as he dubiously noted that “we don’t even question them when they hold joint military exercises with Russia.”