China has criticised the United States and the Philippines' annual joint military exercise staged in locations facing the South China Sea and the island of Taiwan.
Thousands of troops are participating in the “Balikatan” drill which began on Monday and, for the​ first time, includes an integrated air and missile defence simulation.
US anti-ship missile system launchers and the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, NMESIS, were deployed to Luzon, the Philippines' largest island, for the exercise running through to 9 May.​
Speaking to reporters, a Philippine brigadier general explained that the drills launched in Quezon, Manila's metropolitan area, were for the “defence” of the country.
In response, China accused the Philippines of insensitivity to the region's solidarity, coordination, and efforts to address recent acts of “unilateralism, protectionism and bullying.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun slammed the Philippines for choosing to conduct drills with a country “outside the region,” despite opposition by regional countries.
The use of strategic and tactical weapons, according to Jiakun, is detrimental to regional strategic stability, regional economic prospects, and disturbs peace.
“China firmly opposes any country using the Taiwan question as an excuse to strengthen military deployment in the region, heighten tensions and confrontation.
“We urge relevant sides not to make provocation on the Taiwan question. Those who play with fire will perish by it,” Jiakun added.
