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China has condemned the United States and the Philippines following the Philippines’ announcement of plans to acquire US-made Typhon missile systems.
Some shit you should know before you read: Back in April, the US Army deployed the Typhon missile system to the northern Philippines during joint military exercises with Filipino forces. This land-based system, capable of launching the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, was originally intended for training purposes. However, instead of being removed after the exercises, the Typhon system remained in the Philippines indefinitely to enhance deterrence against potential threats, particularly in response to China’s actions in the South China Sea. Chinese officials have opposed the deployment, warning that it would escalate regional tensions and claiming the system’s proximity to their borders poses a national security threat.
What’s going on now: Earlier this week, Lieutenant-General Roy Galido with the Philippine Army announced plans to acquire the US-made Typhon missile system as part of the country’s strategy to enhance its maritime defense capabilities. Galido said that the mid-range missile system, which has a range of 300 miles, will be critical in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and maritime assets, particularly within the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. He stated that the system is intended to “protect our floating assets,” referring to the navy, coastguard, and other maritime vessels, and asserted that the acquisition aligns with the country’s focus on archipelagic defense without extending beyond its national interests.
China is pissed: In response to Galido, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the Philippines’ plans to acquire the US-made Typhon missile system, describing the move as a “provocative and dangerous choice” that risks escalating tensions in the region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated, “The region needs peace and prosperity, not missiles and confrontation,” and accused the Philippines of introducing “geopolitical confrontation and arms race risks into the region.”
This all comes as tensions between China and the Philippines continue to escalate over disputed territories in the South China Sea, where both nations have been involved in frequent confrontations. China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea in defiance of international law, has increased its military and coastguard presence near reefs and islands claimed by the Philippines, leading to standoffs and incidents. Filipino vessels have reported harassment, including collisions with Chinese vessels, laser targeting, and water cannon attacks by Chinese ships.
