On Monday (December 23), senior officials of the Philippine military in Manila told reporters that due to the tension between the Chinese Communist Party and the Philippines in the South China Sea, the Philippine military is planning to purchase a medium-range missile system to defend national territory.
Lieutenant General Roy Galido said, “We have a plan and are in negotiations because we see its feasibility and adaptability.”
In April of this year, the United States deployed the “Typhon” medium-range missile system in northern Philippines, and the two countries’ militaries have been conducting joint training for the potential use of this heavy weapon. The agreement is to indefinitely keep the missile system in the Philippines to enhance deterrence.
Typhon is a medium-range missile launch system capable of carrying Tomahawk cruise missiles. If deployed in northern Luzon, its range could cover the southeast coast of China and military bases in the South China Sea.
During President Joe Biden’s term, the United States has strengthened alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to counter the Chinese Communist Party, including efforts related to the Taiwan issue.
The Philippine military has clarified multiple times that they are not necessarily purchasing the “Typhon” system but are exploring weapons systems with similar capabilities.
General Galido stated that the Philippine military is not only collaborating with the United States but also with other friendly countries, planning to purchase a range of weapon platforms.
The Philippines’ defense plan includes protecting its exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from the coastline.
General Galido emphasized the importance of the army projecting its capabilities into this area, which requires coordination with the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described the Philippine plan to introduce the medium-range missile system as an “extremely irresponsible choice” and a “provocative and dangerous move that creates regional tension, provokes geopolitical confrontation, and arms race.”
(This article was adapted from reports by The Associated Press)