Palace concerned by China's missile deployment in West PHL Sea

Malacañang expressed concern on Friday following the report that China had installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three of its outposts in the West Philippine Sea.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Philippines "would explore all diplomatic means" to address the latest development even as he underscored the friendly ties between Manila and Beijing under President Rodrigo Duterte.

"With our recently developed close relationship and friendship with China, we are confident that those missiles are not directed at us," Roque said.

American news network CNBC reported on Wednesday that according to US intelligence assessments, the missiles were moved to Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands within the past 30 days.

They would be the first Chinese missile deployments in the Spratlys, where several Asian countries including Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims.

Following the report, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto urged Duterte to use his "warm personal relationship" with Chinese leaders to stop China from militarizing the formations inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate, however, called on the government to file a diplomatic protest, saying China is exploiting the "near subservient stance" of the government to militarize some features in the West Philippine Sea.  — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News