MANILA – Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said China should not interfere with the Philippines’ military exercises, following Beijing’s remarks against the use of missile systems during the recently concluded “Balikatan” drills.
During an interview after the event’s closing ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, Teodoro emphasized that the Philippines and its allies are carrying out legitimate military activities within their rights.
China earlier expressed concern over the deployment and firing of the US Tomahawk land attack missile and Japan’s Type 88 anti-ship missile system, claiming these could undermine regional peace.
Teodoro dismissed the statement, saying Beijing should instead address its own domestic concerns and alleged abuses rather than criticizing other countries.
The Tomahawk missile test took place on May 5, with the weapon launched from Tacloban toward a target site in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
A day later, Japanese forces used the Type 88 missile system in a live-fire exercise that destroyed the retired Philippine Navy ship BRP Quezon near the coast of Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
Teodoro maintained that China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea are the real source of tension and instability in the region.
ia/xf
