US missile deployment in the Philippines is legitimate: Manila

[ad_1] MANILA – The Philippines’ acquisition and deployment of a U.S. mid-range missile system is “utterly reliable, authorized, and past reproach,” its protection chief mentioned on Tuesday.

China protested in opposition to the plan by the Philippines to amass a Typhon mid-range missile system from the USA to spice up its maritime capabilities amid rising tensions within the disputed South China Sea.

Chinese language overseas ministry spokesperson Mao Ning referred to as the plan “provocative and harmful,” and mentioned on Monday it was an “extraordinarily irresponsible alternative” not just for the Philippine folks and folks of all Southeast Asian nations, but additionally “to historical past and to regional safety.”

Philippine Secretary of Nationwide Protection Gilberto Teodoro mentioned any deployment for the safety of the Philippines was its affair.

“The Philippines is a sovereign state, not any nation’s ‘doorstep’,” Teodoro mentioned in an announcement.

He didn't consult with the Chinese language touch upon the missile system however reiterated that the enhancement of Philippine protection capabilities was meant to serve its nationwide curiosity and “not focused in opposition to particular nations.”

“Any deployment and procurement of property associated to the Philippines’ safety and protection fall inside its personal sovereign prerogative and aren't topic to any overseas veto,” Teodoro mentioned.