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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warned that a potential ammunition facility would destabilise the region and “backfire”. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters
China warned the United States on Thursday (March 26, 2026) against bringing “conflict and the chaos of war” to theAsia-Pacific after Washington and its allies said they would weigh building a weapons base in the Philippines.
A U.S.-led intergovernmental defence group agreed last week to assess funding for a new ammunition assembly and production line in the Philippines, according to a joint statement.
Also read: Philippines, U.S. hold joint sail in disputed South China Sea shoal
The decision was made by the 16 members of the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR), which also includes Britain, Australia, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.
China’s Foreign Ministry warned on Thursday (March 26, 2026) that a potential ammunition facility would destabilise the region and “backfire”.
“The U.S. and its allies should earnestly respect the common aspirations of regional countries… and refrain from introducing bloc confrontation, conflict and the chaos of war into the Asia-Pacific,” Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference.
“If the relevant country is willing to be a powder keg and ammunition depot, it will only backfire on itself,” he said when asked about the potential new facility.
Beijing and Manila have clashed frequently in recent years over disputed territories in the South China Sea.
China claims nearly the entirety of the crucial waterway, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.
Mr. Lin added on Thursday (March 26, 2026) that Beijing would “firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and security interests”.
Published – March 26, 2026 10:19 pm IST
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China warns U.S. against building arms facility in Philippines
