China has once again called on the Philippines to pull out the Typhon missile launcher deployed by the United States in the country, saying it must stop "going further the wrong path."
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning made the call following reports that the US military has moved its Typhon launchers to another location.
"We once again call on the Philippines to heed the call from regional countries and their peoples, correct the wrongdoing as soon as possible, quickly pull out the Typhon missile system as publicly pledged, and stop going further down the wrong path," Mao said when sought for comments on the reported movement of the missile system.
The Chinese official reiterated China's stand that the Philippines is "creating tensions and antagonism" in the region in the US deployment of the Mid-Range Capability missile system in the Philippines.
"Let me stress again that by bringing this strategic offensive weapon into this part of the world, the Philippines is essentially creating tensions and antagonism in the region and inciting geopolitical confrontation and an arms race," Mao said.
"This is a highly dangerous move and an extremely irresponsible choice for its own people, the people of the other Southeast Asian countries, and regional security," Mao added.
In December last year, the Philippine Army disclosed its plan to acquire the US Typhon missile system to improve its defense capabilities.
The plan also gained criticisms from China. However, the Philippines stood by its decision to acquire the said missile system, saying it "is a step toward strengthening our deterrence capabilities and ensuring that we are prepared to defend our territory when required."
National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año then said that "as a sovereign nation, the Philippines has the right to determine the most appropriate measures to safeguard its security and the well-being of its people."