China has criticized the United States anew for the deployment of its missile system as part of the latter’s upcoming war games with Philippine troops.

Lin Jian, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Beijing was gravely concerned about the US Army’s deployment of its mid-range capability missile system to Luzon.

“China strongly opposes the US deploying medium-range ballistic missiles in the Asia-Pacific and strengthening forward deployment at China’s doorstep to seek unilateral military advantage,” Lin said.

Lin observed that the US’ moves likely to heighten tensions in the region that could also increase the risk of misjudgment and miscalculation.

China had repeatedly slammed the US for its actions in the region, including its strengthening of defense partnership with the Philippines, Japan, and other allied countries, saying Washington is making its partners as pawns.

“We urge the US to earnestly respect other countries’ security concerns, stop stoking military confrontation, stop undermining peace and stability in the region, and take concrete actions to reduce strategic risks,” he said.

He also urged the Philippines to “be mindful of what the US is truly after and the consequence of going along with the US on deploying” its missile system.

“The Philippines needs to think twice about being a cat’s paw for the US at the expense of its own security interests, and stop sliding down the wrong path,” he added.