Manila to conduct own probe into Chinese ‘missile tests’ in South China Sea
Pentagon had described the development as ‘disturbing’
Manila: The Philippine government will carry out its own investigations into the reported “missile tests” by China in the South China Sea the palace said on Thursday.
“We will conduct our own inquiry. Whether it is possible or not (missile launch) we will wait for the inquiry,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a press briefing.
Earlier, reports came out that China had launched anti-ship ballistic missiles from one of its islands in the South China Sea recently. If true, the projectiles from these base could potentially cover a wide swathe of the sea between the Philippines, Vietnam and other countries in the area.
The Pentagon described this development is “disturbing.”
Aside from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei claim several islets in the South China Sea and have built their own bases in these areas.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said that while the matter is “serious” the Philippines will not “speculate” on the matter.
US Ambassador to the Philippines Sun Kim, during a press briefing on the occasion of the Philippine-American Friendship Day and anniversary of the United States’ independence called on countries to exercise restraint on the matter.