China on Sen. Marcos’ missile attack claim: We do not pose threat

HELPING PERSONS IN DISTRESS AT SEA: Sen. Imee R. Marcos says that due to alarming number of maritime incidents, it is imperative to pass a law that would ensure assistance, regardless of nationality, in case of untoward incidents at sea. Presiding Monday’s hearing of the Committee on Foreign Relations April 29, 2024, Marcos said the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) recorded 782 maritime incidents during five years period. “The Good Samaritan at Sea Bills (Senate Bill Nos. 1136 and 1388) aim to implement the International Maritime Instruments which were already ratified by the Philippines concerning safety of life at sea and the duty to render assistance to all persons in distress at sea to which the Philippines is a state party,” Marcos pointed out. “They seek to provide a domestic law which mandates applicable rules of conduct in case of accidents at sea,” she added. The committee also discussed proposed measures (SB Nos. 2129, 2141, 2372, 2556, 2581, 2590, 2592, 2599, 2600, and House Bill No. 7763 or the Philippine Friendship Day Bills), establishing and dedicating friendship days with the Philippines’ valuable partners. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Thursday insisted that her country does not pose a threat to any nation following Sen. Imee Marcos’ claim that China is planning to use hypersonic missiles against the Philippines.

“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,” Mao said in a press briefing.

“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.

Mao also urged the Philippines to “listen to the concerns of its people and bear in mind the fundamental interests of its own people, stay independent, good-neighborliness and friendship, earnestly respect other countries’ security concerns, and act to keep the region peaceful and stable.”

Marcos earlier warned that 25 areas in the country could be targets of a possible Chinese hypersonic missile attack due to the increasing Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the Philippines and amid the rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

While she did not identify all 25 areas, she did note that these may include the Ilocos region, Batanes, and Subic.

READ: 25 areas in PH possible targets of China hypersonic missile attack – Imee Marcos

The National Security Council made clear that the Philippines is not facing an “ imminent attack” despite Marcos’ claims.

READ: No ‘imminent attack’ from China despite Sen. Marcos’ warning – NSC