The Philippines’ defense leader has declared the acquisition and implementation of a U.S. mid-range missile system to be entirely legitimate, lawful, and above criticism. This comes in response to China’s objections to the Philippines’ plans to boost its maritime abilities through the purchase of a Typhon mid-range missile system from the United States. The move has escalated tensions in the already contentious South China Sea region.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, labeled the plan as reckless and a threat to regional security. Mao expressed his concerns on Monday, asserting that the decision was not only irresponsible for the citizens of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, but also detrimental to historical and regional security.
However, Gilberto Teodoro, the Philippine Secretary of National Defense, maintains that the Philippines’ security measures are its own business. He emphasized the country’s sovereignty and stated that the Philippines isn’t any other nation’s ‘doorstep.’ While Teodoro didn’t directly address China’s concerns about the missile system, he reiterated that enhancing Philippine defense capabilities is in the national interest and not aimed at any specific country.
Teodoro further emphasized that any decisions regarding the Philippines’ security and defense are within its sovereign rights and are not subject to foreign interference.
As tensions continue to rise between China and the Philippines over territorial claims in the South China Sea, the latter has ratified a defense pact with Japan. Both parties have accused each other of provocation and intimidation, particularly concerning reefs within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, which Beijing also claims.
In a statement, Teodoro urged the Chinese Communist Party to cease their provocative actions, withdraw their illegal presence from the Philippines’ EEZ, and adhere to International Law. He also accused Beijing of amassing a nuclear arsenal and ballistic missile capabilities.
Regarding the Typhon system in question, Philippine army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido confirmed the plan to purchase the mid-range missile system to enhance the country’s territorial defense capabilities. The mobile Typhon system was deployed in the Philippines earlier this year as part of a joint military exercise with the U.S.
However, China’s defense minister, Dong Jun, has criticized the deployment, alleging that it severely threatens regional security and stability.
The Typhon missile system, a product of U.S. firm Lockheed Martin, has a range of 480 kilometers and can reach disputed territories such as the Scarborough Shoal and areas around Taiwan. Galido stated that the Typhon would protect the Philippines’ naval and coastguard vessels.
Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the decision, asserting that the deployment of the missile system could incite geopolitical confrontations and an arms race in the region.
