The Philippines is forging ahead with its retention of a US-made Typhon missile system, brushing aside China’s demand for its removal, in a move seen by experts as both a declaration of self-reliance and a calculated gamble in the face of mounting tensions in the South China Sea.
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The Philippine Army announced plans on Monday to acquire the advanced Mid-Range Capability missile launcher from Washington.
A Typhon system is already in the Philippines after the US delivered it for use in joint-military exercises in April, and is due for further assessment by the military.
Beijing has repeatedly denounced the Typhon’s presence in the Philippines and demanded its removal. The army’s plans to acquire the system for itself has triggered even more strongly worded statements from Beijing.
On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called it “a provocative and dangerous move” that undermined regional stability.
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“The Philippines, by cooperating with the United States to introduce the Typhon, is handing over its own security and defence, bringing geopolitical confrontation and arms race risks into the region, which poses a substantial threat to regional peace and security,” Mao said.