China reportedly warned the Philippines that it should not allow the United States to introduce an intermediate missile system in the country as it could lead to a regional conflict.
Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in Vientiane for talks that included Beijing's concern on the US' intermediate missile system.
This came as China hit the US' deployment of its Mid-Range Capability ground-based missile system during the Balikatan Exercises in Manila in April.
According to Xinhua, Wang said that if the Philippines would introduce the US intermediate missile system, it would create regional tension and confrontation.
It would also trigger an arms race, which is totally not in line with the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people.
In a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Manalo, who is in Laos for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, confirmed speaking with Wang, along with other counterparts.
"During all of these engagements issues of common interest and concern were discussed, as well as deepening our cooperation," Manalo said.
Xinhua also reported that Wang and Manalo also discussed other areas of interests, including the South China Sea and the Philippines-China relations.
The current Philippines-China relations are now at a crossroads, according to Wang. So continued dialogue and consultation between both sides are the only way to maintain positive momentum of relations amid sea tension.