PH: US missile system for defense, won't spark arms race

The Philippines doesn't see how the deployment of a US mid-range missile system in the country would lead to tension in the region, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said on Tuesday.

At a news conference during the 4th Philippines-US Two-Plus-Two Ministerial Consultations, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo was asked China's statement that the US missile might spark an arms race.

“All I can really say is that first, these missiles are meant for our own defensive capabilities, our own ability to improve our defensive deterrence, and they are not meant for any offensive purposes," Manalo said.

"So I really can’t see, on that basis, how it would lead to an arms race,” he added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier issued a statement expressing concern over the presence of the US intermediate-range missile system. 

The US deployed its Typhon missile system during the annual Balikatan exercises last April, but they were not fired during the joint military exercises. 

But the Philippine Army earlier said that the deployment of the missile system could be extended beyond September. 

Manalo earlier met Wang on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting in Laos and both affirmed that Manila and Beijing would honor the provisional agreement on resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal. —NB, GMA Integrated News