CHINA ON SEN. MARCOS’ MISSILE ATTACK CLAIM: WE DO NOT POSE THREAT

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Thursday insisted that her country does not pose a threat to any nation following Sen. Imee Marcos’ claim that China is planning to use hypersonic missiles against the Philippines.

“I’m not sure what the Philippine side’s source was, but I can tell you that China is committed to peaceful development and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, and China does not pose a threat to any country,” Mao said in a press briefing.

“That said, we will certainly not sit by and watch when our legitimate rights and interests and regional peace and stability are being violated or under threat,” she added.

Mao also urged the Philippines to “listen to the concerns of its people and bear in mind the fundamental interests of its own people, stay independent, good-neighborliness and friendship, earnestly respect other countries’ security concerns, and act to keep the region peaceful and stable.”

Marcos earlier warned that 25 areas in the country could be targets of a possible Chinese hypersonic missile attack due to the increasing Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the Philippines and amid the rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

While she did not identify all 25 areas, she did note that these may include the Ilocos region, Batanes, and Subic.

READ: 25 areas in PH possible targets of China hypersonic missile attack – Imee Marcos

The National Security Council made clear that the Philippines is not facing an “ imminent attack” despite Marcos’ claims.

READ: No ‘imminent attack’ from China despite Sen. Marcos’ warning – NSC

2024-07-04T14:07:23Z dg43tfdfdgfd