Philippine authorities raise concerns over China's ballistic missile test

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised concerns over China's ballistic missile test in the Pacific Ocean as part of a military exercise, urging relevant parties to exercise restraint and transparency in the Indo-Pacific region.

DFA Spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said Philippine authorities received prior notification of the missile launch on July 5.

“The Philippines notes with concern China’s launch of an unarmed ballistic missile from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean as part of its military exercise,” Ratonel said in a Philstar report.

DFA emphasized the need to preserve the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

“We underscore the importance of maintaining a calm, secure and stable environment in the Indo-Pacific region. Actions that erode confidence are unhelpful in advancing dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation,” she said.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, a People's Liberation Army Navy nuclear submarine launched the missile, carrying a dummy warhead, and landed in designated international waters without disclosing the exact location.

The state-run news agency described the launch as part of a routine annual military exercise and it was not directed at any specific country.

The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also expressed concerns over China's missile test.

The DND described the missile test as a "reckless display of military power" and “shows little regard for smaller countries and the fragile ecological systems that sustain their people.” (Mary Elaine Virtucio, UP Cebu Comm Intern)

• Tags
• #China ballistic missile test
• #Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs DFA
• #Analyn Ratonel
• #Philippines China relations
• #Indo-Pacific security
• #Philippine Department of National Defense DND
• #Armed Forces of the Philippines AFP
• #People’s Liberation Army Na