Manila, July 7 -- The Department of National Defense (DND), along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), on Tuesday expressed concerns over the launching of a ballistic missile by a Chinese submarine in the South Pacific on July 6.

In a statement, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong called the Chinese test firing "a reckless display of military power that shows little regard for smaller countries and the fragile ecological systems that sustain their people."

"This launch serves no peaceful purpose and is a calculated act of taunting and provocation against those who reject China's illegal expansionism and coercive conduct," he said.

Andolong said the Philippines stands with its Pacific partners in calling on China to act respon...