New York: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized the U.S. deployment of intermediate-range missiles in the Philippines, stating that it “undermines regional peace and stability,” according to the foreign ministry on Sunday.
During a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in New York on Saturday, Wang emphasized the need to avoid “war or chaos on the Korean Peninsula,” as noted in a post on the ministry’s website.
This year, the U.S. deployed the Typhon missile system in the Philippines, which can be equipped with cruise missiles capable of striking targets in China. In response, China has demanded the removal of the system, while Russia has joined in condemning its first deployment to the Indo-Pacific, accusing Washington of exacerbating the arms race in the region.
Also Read | Japan’s Incoming PM Ishiba Advocates for Loose Monetary Policy
Wang reiterated that the missile deployment “is not in the interests of regional countries.” The Philippines, located south of Taiwan—territory claimed by Beijing—plays a crucial role in U.S. strategic planning in Asia, serving as an essential staging ground for potential military support to Taipei in the event of a Chinese assault.
Also Read | Russia Backs India’s UNSC Bid, Joining Global Support for Permanent Membership
Additionally, Wang noted that exchanges and cooperation between China and South Korea have become more active this year, highlighting a shift in regional dynamics.
