China's foreign ministry on Thursday urged the Philippines to return to "peaceful development", saying Manila's decision to deploy a U.S. medium-range missile system in military exercises would only bring the risks of an arms race in the region.

Cooperating with the US to introduce the Typhon’ poses major threat to regional peace, Beijing warns in third such comment this week.

China once again urges the Philippines to withdraw the US Typhoon missile system at an early date, as the deployment of the system brings the risk of geopolitical confrontation and an arms race to the region.

"The Philippine side repeatedly organized its coast guard vessels and fishing boats to violate China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea, while playing victim to elicit sympathy from and cause confusion in the international community," said Zhang.

Manila, Philippines - Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines and Vietnam are intensifying their defence modernization efforts, reflecting a robust response to perceived Chinese aggression in the region.

Vietnam is poised to become only the second country in the region to acquire Indian-Russian BrahMos supersonic missiles.

In response to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro's claims that the deployment of the US-made Typhon missile system in the Philippines is legitimate and legal in the context of the joint exercise,

China says a plan by the Philippines to deploy midrange missiles would be a provocative move that stokes regional tensions.

China urges the Philippines to embrace 'peaceful development' after Manila deploys a U.S. missile system during military exercises, heightening tensions in the region. The deployment of the Typhon system with U.

The Philippines says it plans to buy the U.S. Typhon missile system as part of a push to secure its maritime interests, sparking warnings from China of a regional "arms race."

China slams move, warning that Philippines risks ‘arms race’ amid increased militarisation of South China Sea.

The use of a US-built missile system in the Philippines will only fuel an arms race, Beijing warns. Read more at straitstimes.com.