A Philippines spokesman says the country's military is not concerned about reports that Taiwan wants to deploy advanced missile systems in the disputed Spratly Islands.

Department of National Defense spokesman Zosimo Paredes was responding to remarks last week by Taiwan Defense Minister Kao Hua-chu, who said Coast Guard units deployed on Itu Aba island in the Spratlys need new Tien Chien One missiles to replace their 1980s-era defenses.

Paredes said Taiwan should initiate discussions with nearby countries before such a move. He said the deployment could be seen as an aggressive move by other countries that also claim part or all of the Spratlys.

Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, China, the Philippines and Malaysia lay claim to all or parts of the islands, which are believed to be located atop important reserves of oil and natural gas.