The Philippines’ Defence Minister has defended deploying a U.S. medium-range missile system and pursuing its acquisition, despite opposition from China amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.
“Any deployment and procurement of assets related to the Philippines’ security and defence fall within its own sovereign prerogative and are not subject to any foreign veto,” Minister Gilberto Teodoro said in a statement.
The deployment of the Typhon missile assets for joint exercises was “legitimate, legal, and beyond reproach,” he added.
There is a plan to acquire a missile system with mid-range capability, Philippine Army Chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido said on Monday.
He added, “There are negotiations because we see its feasibility and adaptability.”
Reuters reported in September that the United States had no immediate plan to withdraw the Typhon missile system from the Philippines and was testing the feasibility of its use in a regional conflict, which China said risked causing a geopolitical confrontation.
On Monday, China reiterated its firm opposes to the deployment of the missile system.
It urged the Philippines to “quickly pull out the Typhon missile system as publicly pledged, and stop going further down the wrong path,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular Press conference.
The Typhon system, which can be equipped with cruise missiles capable of striking Chinese targets, was brought in for joint exercises earlier this year.
Tensions have risen in the past few years between China and the Philippines over disputed territory in the South China Sea.
This has been heightened by strengthening of defence ties between treaty allies Manila and Washington.
The Typhon missile system is the United States’ latest advancement in integrated land-based defence technology.
Developed by Lockheed Martin, it bridges the gap between long-range precision fires and close-range air defence.
The system is designed to launch various types of missiles, including the SM-6 and Tomahawk, allowing for flexibility against diverse threats.
Its modular and mobile platform enhances rapid deployment and adaptability across combat environments.
Typhon’s capabilities contribute significantly to the U.S. military’s deterrence strategy, offering precision targeting and a robust response to emerging challenges.
(With inputs from Reuters)
