China opposes US deployment of Typhoon Weapon System to Philippines

By Emre Aytekin

BEIJING (AA) - China expressed concern Saturday about the US deployment of the Typhoon Weapon System to the Philippines, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sun Weidong conveyed China's concerns on the matter to regional countries at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) consultation meeting in Indonesia, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Sun Weidong criticized the deployment of the intermediate-range missile system during a military exercise with the Philippines last month as "a move contrary to historical trends," and a violation of "regional peace and development" goals.

Weidong emphasized China's opposition to the resurgence of Cold War-style confrontations and the use of regional countries for hegemony and proxies.

"China supports ASEAN in strengthening its strategic independence and is ready to work with regional countries to maintain regional peace and stability based on the understanding of Asian security principles grounded in consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits," he said.

The US temporarily deployed the Typhoon Weapon System to the northern part of Luzon Island during the Balikatan military exercise with the Philippines last month.

The Typhoon Weapon System constitutes a station capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 surface-to-air missiles.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Cebi in Istanbul