By Genalyn D. Kabiling
The government has expressed concern over China’s reported installation of missile systems in the South China Sea, saying it hopes the missiles were not directed at the country.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the government intends to take diplomatic steps to address the reported missile deployment in the disputed territory in the West Philippine Sea.
“We are concerned with the reported China’s missile deployments over the contested areas in the West Philippine Sea,” Roque said.
“With our recently developed close relationship and friendship with China, we are confident that those missiles are not directed at us. Be that as it may, we would explore all diplomatic means to address this issue,” he said.
China has reportedly quietly installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile system on three of its outposts in the South China Sea.
