The Philippine Online Chronicles

Defense spokesperson Zosimo Jesus Paredes said the Philippine government is unfazed by Taiwan’s plan to deploy missiles in South China Sea but added that they are ready to defend Philippine territory in the area.

Taiwan’s defense minister Kao Hua-chu on Friday backed plans to deploy advanced missiles in the area because of disputed claims on the so-called Spratly islands.

Kao said their coastguards need advanced weaponry in light of the disputes.

According to Agence France-Presse, the Taiwanese coastguard has a 130-strong garrison in Taiping, the biggest island in Spratlys.

Meanwhile, Taiwan pointed out that Vietnam had already deployed “thousands of marines” in the area.

Paredes said, the Philippine government can’t dictate Taiwan but all will be well if “they don’t occupy what we already occupy.” “Live and let live,” he added.

"That might be seen by other countries as something like an aggressive move, like something uncalled for, but we will see how they will react. Should they want to do that nobody can stop them but they should not encroach into other interests so that peace will prevail. If they are just to protect their interest there is no problem, I don’t see any problem there," he said.

The United States which have been involved in the disputes appealed for calm.

Pentagon spokesperson George Little said, “We encourage all claimants to resolve their disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and without resorting to the threat or use of force.”

Besides Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and China are also laying claim on the islands.