China has expressed strong opposition to plans to deploy a US intermediate-range missile system in the Philippines.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference that Beijing strongly opposes the deployment of this US missile system in the Philippines, noting that China has made its opposition clear on this issue more than once.

The Philippines’ move was provocative and dangerous, she said, adding: What the region needs is peace and prosperity, not a missile system or confrontation,’ she said, calling on the Philippines to ‘stop going down the wrong path’.