NSC, DND downplay Chinese hypersonic missile threat despite Imee’s claims

The National Security Council and the Department of National Defense see no imminent threat from China despite Senator Imee Marcos' claim Beijing has aimed hypersonic missiles at military installations in the Philippines.

 According to JP Soriano’s report in 24 Oras on Wednesday, Marcos said she is worried about the alleged missiles that are targeted at 25 areas including the military installations under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States.

Hypersonic missiles are capable of flying five times faster than the speed of sound, making it impossible to be blocked by air defense systems, the report said. 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that it is taking the senator’s statements seriously and it will coordinate with her to ask for further details. 

But when the senator was asked for the basis of her information, Marcos said: “Nakita ko lang sa isang report at mukha siyang reliable, pagkat yung mga tinutumbok niya ay yung mga EDCA sites.”

(I just saw a report and it looks reliable, because these were targeting our EDCA sites.) 

Marcos said she has not spoken to her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., regarding the matter. 

Meanwhile, maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal said that the senator’s statements are merely speculations without factual basis, unless she has unrestricted access to China’s war plans. 

GMA Integrated News sought the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Manila for comments. 

At an event at the US Embassy, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro said the Philippine government is doing its best to strengthen its defensive capabilities. 

“We recognize the pivotal role of our alliance and strengthening our own defense capabilities and safeguarding peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, more so now in the face of challenges to international law,” Lazaro said. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News