(Manila Road Power) The Philippines does not plan to return to the "Difeng" medium -range missile system to the United States, and will continue to use this weapon system for military training, and hopes to purchase medium -range missiles in the future.
Since last year, China and the Philippines have continued to upgrade regional tensions due to the sovereignty dispute between the South China Sea.When the United States and Philippines held a joint military exercise in April this year, the United States deployed the "Di Feng" system in northern Philippines.The system can be equipped with cruise missiles that can fight against Chinese goals.
The Philippine national security adviser Arnold Anuo was asked how long it would be deployed in the Philippines and said, "We have no schedule, and there is no plan to let it withdraw." He said that a group composed of officials in the United States and Philippines will discuss future plans."The two sides will negotiate, but at present we need the dyke missile launchers to train and enhance our ability of the armed forces."
"We also need to know how to operate, because in the future we want to purchase such equipment."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China expressed serious concerns about the planning of the Filipino's reserved Diyeng system on Thursday (19th).
Arnold responded: "No one can order what we do, and we know what is most favorable for our country, so they cannot order us to do anything, especially in deploying missile launchers."
Reuters earlier quoted sources that although China clearly opposed the United States' deployment system in the Philippines, the United States has not planned to immediately remove the Didfeng system.
