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A top US General has called the deployment of a new missile system to the Philippines “incredibly important” despite anger from China.

Let’s bring you up to speed: Back in April, the US Army deployed the Typhon missile system to the northern Philippines as part of joint military exercises with Filipino forces. This land-based system, which can launch the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, was initially intended to support training operations. However, instead of being removed after the exercises, the Typhon system is now being kept in the Philippines indefinitely to bolster deterrence against potential threats in the region, particularly amid China’s actions in the South China Sea.

General reacts: In an interview with the Associated Press, US Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans, Commanding General of the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division said, “What it does collectively, it provides us the opportunity to understand how to employ that capability — the environmental challenges here are very unique to any other place in the region. What it does collectively, it provides us the opportunity to understand how to employ that capability — the environmental challenges here are very unique to any other place in the region.”

General Evans also noted that the US would soon bring additional equipment to the Philippines, allowing Filipino soldiers to train with it. He declined to elaborate on the specifics of the equipment or whether it would remain permanently.

China’s view: Chinese officials have consistently voiced strong opposition to deploying the missile system, warning the Philippines and the US that it would escalate regional tensions. In addition, Chinese officials have openly said that the missile system is too close to their borders and represents a national security threat.

What Chinese media is saying: The Chinese state-controlled media outlet Global Times has often quoted various Chinese scholars and analysts criticizing the deployment. Last month, the Global Times quoted Zhu Feng, who raised concerns that the indefinite deployment will lead to additional US deployments in “South Korea and Japan.” He added that the US is “provoking a new cold war in the Asia-Pacific region” and could provoke China to respond.

What the Phillippines is saying: Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has dismissed China’s objections. He said, “China is saying that they are alarmed but that is interference into our internal affairs. They are using reverse psychology in order to deter us from building up our defensive capabilities. Before they start talking, why don’t they lead by example? Destroy their nuclear arsenal, remove all their ballistic missile capabilities, get out of the West Philippines Sea and get out of Mischief Reef.” Teodoro added, “Don’t throw stones when you live in a glass house.”