Beijing: China has said that the Philippines’ plan to deploy medium-range missiles would be a provocative and irresponsible move that would escalate tensions in the region. The Philippines’ top military officer told reporters in Manila today that the military plans to deploy medium-range missiles to defend the country amid tensions with China in the South China Sea. “Yes, there are plans, talks are on because we are looking at feasibility and suitability,” Lt Gen Roy Gallido told PTI. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said the deployment of weapons by the Philippines would lead to geopolitical confrontation and an arms race.