Philippines Condemns China's Missile Test Amid South China Sea Tensions

The Philippines on Tuesday condemned China’s ballistic missile test in the South Pacific, calling it a reckless show of military power that heightens regional tensions and threatens the security of smaller nations. "The Department of National Defense shares the concern about China’s recent ballistic missile test in the South Pacific, a reckless display of military power that shows little regard for smaller countries and the fragile ecological systems that sustain their people," Defense spokesman and Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong said in a statement. He said the missile launch from a submarine served no peaceful purpose and accused Beijing of using it to intimidate countries opposing its actions in the region. "The launch serves no peaceful purpose and is a calculated act of taunting and provocation against those who reject China’s illegal expansionism and coercive conduct," Mr. Andolong said. The Defense department also backed Pacific nations that have expressed concern over the launch and urged Beijing to exercise restraint. "The Philippines stands with its Pacific partners in calling on China to act responsibly and stop turning shared seas into arenas of intimidation and imperial ambition," Mr. Andolong said. The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment. China test-fired a long-range ballistic missile into the South Pacific on July 6 in what Beijing described as a routine military exercise. Chinese authorities said the missile carried a dummy warhead and landed in a designated area of the Pacific Ocean. The launch drew concern from countries across the Indo-Pacific region over its implications for regional peace and security. This missile test comes amidst ongoing concerns from the Philippines regarding China's assertive actions in the South China Sea, further escalating regional military tensions.