Beijing has expressed deep concerns over the US Typhon intermediate-range missile system, deployed in the northern Philippines since April. The missile system’s range covers much of the South China Sea, Taiwan, and parts of mainland China, raising security concerns in Beijing.
In a high-profile diplomatic exchange on July 25, 2024, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi cautioned the Philippines against deploying intermediate-range missiles from the United States, warning that such a move could spark a regional arms race. This warning was issued during a meeting with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Vientiane, Laos. This meeting marked the first publicly acknowledged face-to-face interaction between the two ministers since 2022.
Wang Yi expressed deep concerns about the introduction of US intermediate-range missiles in the Philippines, stating, “If the Philippines introduces the US intermediate missile system, it will create regional tension and confrontation, triggering an arms race, which is totally not in line with the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people.” This warning highlights Beijing’s apprehension regarding the growing US military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and its potential implications for regional stability.
Background of the Diplomatic Meeting
The meeting between Wang Yi and Enrique Manalo marked the first publicly acknowledged direct interaction between the two diplomats since 2022. This exchange occurred during the ASEAN summit, where Wang Yi is also scheduled to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, further underscoring the international significance of the discussions.
Current Strains in China-Philippines Relations
Wang Yi noted that China-Philippines relations are encountering ‘serious difficulties and challenges,’ largely due to what he described as violations of bilateral agreements by the Philippines. He accused Manila of persistently infringing on maritime rights and pushing the boundaries of previously established consensus.
Wang remarked, ‘China-Philippines relations in recent years have proved time and again that it is not easy to build good relations, but it is easy to destroy them.’ This statement reflects the ongoing friction between the two nations over territorial claims and maritime disputes.
Territorial Disputes and Military Tensions
The primary source of tension between Beijing and Manila lies in their overlapping claims in the South China Sea. China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, while the Philippines, along with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, also assert competing claims over this resource-rich waterway. In recent months, the situation has been marked by increased confrontations, particularly around the Second Thomas Shoal (known as Renai Jiao in China and Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines).
The military standoff has intensified, with recent sightings of China’s advanced aircraft carrier, the Shandong, and its largest coastguard vessel, the CCG 5901, near Philippine waters.
US Missile System Controversy
Beijing has expressed significant concerns over the deployment of the US Typhon intermediate-range missile system in the Philippines. This system, which has been stationed in northern Philippines since April, is the first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. Its operational range encompasses most of the South China Sea, Taiwan, and eastern and southern coastal cities of mainland China. However, the Philippine military has announced that the Typhon system will be returned to the US in September 2024.
Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun previously conveyed similar concerns to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in May, describing the missile system as a severe threat to regional security and peace.
Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
Despite these tensions, Beijing and Manila have continued to engage in diplomatic negotiations. Recently, the two countries reached an agreement regarding resupply missions to the Second Thomas Shoal. Beijing confirmed this agreement but imposed conditions: removal of the Philippine warship BRP Sierra Madre from the reef, prior notification and ‘on-site verification’ of resupply missions, and a prohibition on including construction materials.
The BRP Sierra Madre has been stationed at the shoal since 1999 to assert Philippine claims, and Manila has contested Beijing’s interpretation of the agreement’s terms, particularly concerning prior notification and verification.
Future Diplomatic Prospects
During the Saturday meeting, Wang Yi urged the Philippines to ‘honor its commitments and refrain from making any more changes or backtracking’ on the agreements. In response, Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and constructive engagement.
As the geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific continues to evolve, the interactions between China and the Philippines remain a critical factor in regional stability. Both nations are striving to balance their national interests with the imperative of maintaining diplomatic relations amidst growing regional tensions.
