After the U.S. response, the Philippines has also weighed in.
Foreign media reported today that China conducted another test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile after nearly two years, prompting a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department to express concern over China's nuclear program and urge China to engage in consultations on arms control. Subsequently, the Philippine Department of Defense issued a statement condemning China's "reckless display of force." "This missile test serves no peaceful purpose whatsoever, but is instead a deliberate mockery and provocation aimed at those who resist China's illegal expansion and coercive actions."
In fact, this ballistic missile test by China was part of its regular annual military training exercises, fully open and transparent, entirely compliant with international law and established norms. It represents a normal act of national defense construction by a sovereign state, and there is absolutely no such thing as a so-called "reckless display of force." Yet the Philippines, following the U.S. lead, has recklessly attached unrelated accusations of "illegal expansion" and "coercive behavior" to China, even distorting facts and falsely accusing China of threatening others—deliberately hyping up the so-called "China nuclear threat" for attention.
It's clear to anyone with common sense that the Philippines is trying to curry favor with the United States by taking a hardline stance toward China, seeking protection and loyalty. The Philippines' willingness to serve as America's vanguard in anti-China efforts, attempting to gain visibility through malicious provocations, will only result in losing both face and substance. When it comes to safeguarding its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, China has never and will never retreat.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870073885028356/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.