BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese officials have voiced strong objections to the continued presence of the U.S. Typhon missile system in the Philippines, urging the Philippine government to fulfill its commitment to withdraw the military hardware.

Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, articulated these concerns during a regular press briefing, emphasizing that the prolonged deployment of the system poses risks not only to the regional stability but also to the Philippines' own security.

The Typhon missile system was installed by the United States in the northern Philippines in April 2024, coinciding with joint military exercises between U.S. and Philippine forces.

The initial agreement indicated that this deployment would be temporary, concluding following the exercises.

However, reports have emerged indicating that the Philippines is contemplating the procurement of the Typhon system to bolster its defense capabilities, thus potentially extending its presence significantly beyond the agreed timeframe.

Guo expressed criticism over the Philippines’ plans to link the Typhon system with geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, labeling such actions as both 'ridiculous and dangerous'.

He highlighted that the Typhon, described as a strategic and offensive weapon, has operational capabilities that extend across much of Southeast Asia.

The spokesperson suggested that the U.S. military presence could undermine the peace and stability of the region, arguing that it harms the security interests of neighboring countries.

Additionally, Guo Jiakun reiterated China's position that it would not remain passive in the face of threats to its national security, stressing that other nations in the region also oppose the continued presence of U.S. military systems.

In a separate statement, Guo expressed China's firm opposition to what he termed provocations under the guise of freedom of navigation, referencing recent passages of U.S. warships through the Taiwan Strait.

He underscored that the issue of Taiwan is integral to China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China also condemned recent remarks by U.S. and Japanese leaders regarding Taiwan, characterizing them as interference in its domestic matters.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, admonished both the U.S. and Japan for their positions, stating they should uphold the one-China principle and be cautious in their diplomatic engagement concerning Taiwan.

Regarding cross-Strait tourism, Zhu criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan for delaying the restoration of tourism exchanges, attributing the hindrance to political maneuvers rather than procedural issues.

She called for the DPP to act promptly to facilitate the resumption of tourism, suggesting that such delays are damaging to cultural exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan.

These developments occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, where security and territorial issues remain at the forefront of international relations.