Beijing on missiles: China not a threat to any country

China is neither confirming nor denying a claim by Sen. Imee Marcos that it has hypersonic missiles aimed at 25 targets in the Philippines.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

But while it claims that its position is defensive and not a threat to any country, China warns it is ready to act when threatened.

“I’m not sure what the Philippine side’s source was, but I can tell you that China is committed to peaceful development and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, and China does not pose a threat to any country,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing on Thursday.

“That said, we will certainly not sit by and watch when our legitimate rights and interests and regional peace and stability are being violated or under threat,” she added.

Marcos earlier this week claimed to have information on China’s supposed 25 missile targets in the Philippines. She did not provide details.

She revealed the information some two weeks after the Chinese carried out their most violent effort – so far – to disrupt a supply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.