MANILA, Philippines — China renewed its call to the Philippines to quickly remove the US missile system from its territory for its security interest.

"This move by the US and the Philippines incites geopolitical confrontation, escalates regional tensions, and harms regional peace and stability. It has aroused high vigilance and concerns of countries in the region. It has aroused high vigilance and concerns of countries in the region," said Lin Jian, spokesman of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in Beijing on Friday.

"The Philippines needs to have a clear understanding of the real intention of the US, respond to the everyday problems of regional governments, avoid acting as the cat's paw for the US at the expense of its security interest, and quickly pull out the missile system as publicly pledged," the Chinese official further stated.

China's renewed call comes after the Philippines' top military official said deploying a US missile system was mainly for training as the Philippines ramps up its defense capability.