Senator Imee Marcos has recently sparked controversy with her assertions that China intends to target various locations in the Philippines with hypersonic missile strikes, causing widespread alarm and skepticism.

Her remarks, however, have been criticized as politically motivated, serving interests that align more closely with China and the Duterte camp’s agitation propaganda.

In a video posted to TikTok and Facebook, Senator Marcos, who is the sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., expressed fear over China’s supposed intentions.

“I’m really scared because while tensions are brewing in the West Philippine Sea, I saw [reports] about China’s plans to use hypersonic missiles,” she said.

According to her, 25 areas, including Batanes, Subic, and the Ilocos region, were targeted in the plans she saw, SCMP reported.

“It’s really scary. That’s no joke,” she added.

Marcos also raised concerns about the United States’ ability to defend against such attacks, citing the lack of a defense system capable of intercepting hypersonic missiles.

“Other countries have this thing called the Iron Dome, which prevents missiles from entering. But when it comes to hypersonic missiles, it could enter easily. Everything will be crushed,” she said.

Despite the senator’s alarming assertions, she did not provide concrete evidence to support her claims.

Observers argue that her comments are politically motivated and unlikely to reflect China’s actual strategic intentions.

Jonathan Malaya, director general of the National Security Council, downplayed the statements, saying, “We are not aware of any of the security threats she mentioned.”

He emphasized that Manila and Beijing had reaffirmed their commitment to de-escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea during a recent bilateral consultation meeting, according to the SCMP.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to Marcos’ allegations, reiterating China’s commitment to peaceful development and a defensive policy.

“China is committed to peaceful development and defensive policy,” the ministry stated, questioning the basis of the senator’s claims, according to PhilStar.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also responded cautiously.

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. noted that while the military is preparing for potential missile attacks by hardening facilities, they have not verified the threats mentioned by Marcos, GMA7 News reported.

“As to the report that Senator Imee mentioned about the 25 targets, alleged targets, we have not seen a report to this effect. So I cannot give a comment about this,” he said.

Critics argue that Marcos’ statements could serve the interests of China and the Duterte camp, sowing fear and potentially undermining the Philippines’ strategic partnerships.

The Duterte administration, which has been known for its conciliatory stance towards China, might benefit from such fear-mongering as it aligns with their broader agenda of agitation propaganda.

In contrast, the United States continues to bolster the Philippines’ defense capabilities. A bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Bill Hagerty and Tim Kaine aims to provide Manila with $2.5 billion to enhance its defenses against Chinese pressure.

The bill, which underscores the strategic importance of the Philippines in countering China’s regional ambitions, authorizes significant annual financial assistance for military modernization.