The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday urged the Philippines to withdraw the U.S. mid-range missile system as soon as possible.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a media query on the U.S. deploying its Typhon mid-range missile system in the Philippines.

China has repeatedly stated its firm opposition to this issue, Mao said.

Accepting the missile system – a strategic and offensive weapon – by the Philippine side, is a provocative and dangerous move to cooperate with external forces to create regional tension and confrontation, and provoke geopolitical confrontation and arms race, said Mao.

The region needs peace and prosperity, not mid-range missiles and confrontation, she said, urging the Philippine side to correct its wrongdoings, and withdraw the missile system at an early date.