China has expressed significant concern over the recent deployment of a mid-range missile system by the U.S. military to the Philippines, warning that it could disturb the stability of the region. However, the Philippines’ top diplomat, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, clarified during a news conference that he assured China that the weaponry was only temporarily stationed in the country.

Manalo revealed that China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, conveyed their apprehension regarding the U.S. mid-range missile deployment during discussions held last month in Laos on the margins of the ASEAN meetings. Despite China’s strong sentiments, Manalo emphasized that he reassured Wang by stating that there was no need for alarm.

While China expressed concerns that the U.S. missile system’s presence could potentially destabilize the area, Manalo asserted his disagreement with this view, highlighting that the system was present in the Philippines on a temporary basis. The U.S. Army had transported the mid-range missile system, capable of launching the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, to the northern Philippines in April for joint combat exercises with Philippine troops.

Although the missile system was not utilized during the military drills, the Philippine authorities have indicated that it might be moved out of the country in the coming month. China has consistently opposed an increase in U.S. military deployments to the region, including the Philippines, cautioning that such actions could jeopardize regional peace and stability.

The territorial disputes in the South China Sea have led to heightened tensions among nations with claims in the area, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The strategic waterways serve as a crucial global shipping route and have been a point of contention, with China’s assertive actions in the region drawing criticism and condemnation from the U.S. and its allies, including the Philippines.