The United States has aligned with the Philippines in criticizing China's recent ballistic missile launch in the Pacific, labeling the action as 'provocative'. In a statement released on Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton expressed that Washington shares Manila's concerns and reaffirmed its commitment to the U.S.-Philippine alliance.
U.S. Ambassador Condemns Launch
Ambassador Lipton emphasized the strength of the bilateral relationship, stating, 'The ironclad US-Philippine Alliance has been a tremendous and transparent source of regional peace and stability for over seven decades.' He further criticized Beijing's actions, saying, 'Beijing's provocative missile launch yesterday is further evidence of its rapid and secretive nuclear weapons development program, which runs counter to regional stability and is inconsistent with the pursuit of meaningful arms control discussions.'
State Department Questions China's Intentions
U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Thomas Pigott also weighed in, questioning the missile test and its implications for nuclear non-proliferation. 'We continue to urge China to engage in meaningful arms control discussions and commit to a regularized notification arrangement for all intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches consistent with commitments made by all other P5 members,' Pigott said.
China's Missile Test Details
China conducted the test launch of an unarmed intercontinental-range ballistic missile from a submarine on July 6, with the missile landing in the southern Pacific Ocean. The Philippine Department of National Defense responded by labeling the test 'a reckless display of military power that shows little regard for smaller countries and the fragile ecological systems that sustain their people.'
Regional Concerns and Alliance Commitment
The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with the Philippines and the U.S. calling for greater transparency and arms control measures from China. The U.S. reiterated its commitment to the Philippines as its 'oldest security Ally in the region,' underscoring the importance of the alliance in maintaining peace and stability.
