China receives warning from U.S. amidst recent missile deployment in Spratly Islands.
SPRATLY ISLANDS- United States raised concerns with China with regards to the ongoing militarization and recent installation of missile systems in the contested regions of South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.
In a previous report, it was mentioned that China may possibly dominate air control over West Philippine Sea following alleged deployment of missiles in the disputed islands.
The missile systems were reportedly installed in the Chinese military bases for about a month. Three of their occupied outposts are Fiery Cross Reef, Mischief Reef and Subi Reef.
Based on a report from CNN Philippines, Hua Chunying, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, recently released a statement in a press conference concerning the issue. The spokesperson recapped that the reported installment of missiles, which he termed as “national defense facilities” is not bound to target an explicit country.
He then went on to explain that the “peaceful activities” in the Spratly Islands, otherwise known as Nansha are simply envisioned to defend China’s independence.
“Our peaceful construction activities on the Nansha Islands, including the deployment of necessary national defense facilities, are meant to safeguard China’s sovereignty and security, which is also the rights a sovereign state is entitled to,” Hua said, when questioned about China’s motive on malicious missile installation.
Amidst the brewing dispute, the United States “raised concerns” with China and warned them of the consequences for its emergent militarization of the contested regions in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.
“There will be near-term and long-term consequences, and we’ll certainly keep you up to date,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told the source.
U.S Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim also reiterated America’s stance in relation to the ongoing militarization in the Spratly Islands. He called out China, alongside with all other claimants of the disputed waters to limit independent “unilateral actions” that do not abide with the international law.
“We have called on countries to refrain from reclamation and militarization over claimed lands and we’ll continue to do so,” Kim said.
The U.S. Ambassador added that their country will continue to strive for the protection of international rights including the freedom of navigation and commerce.
On the other hand, Gary Alejano, representative of PH-based political party Magdalo said that the opposing country’s persistent rehabilitation in Spratlys are “threats to our national security”. He valiantly insisted on not falling for China’s sugary strategy of business and investment discussions.
“Let us not let China’s sweet talks of investments and loans lull us into a false sense of security. Their actions clearly belie their pronouncements,” Alejano said.
China’s hostile construction of military bases on the highly disputed island has faced disapprovals from other countries, including the Philippines.
However, the Duterte Administration has established friendly ties and deeper relations with China and has engaged in many business partnerships despite the territorial row.
