China Responds to U.S. Missile Plans in the Philippines and Japan Talks

U.S. Army missile against a clear blue sky.

China voices strong objections as the United States deploys the Typhon missile system in the Philippines and considers Japan discussions.

At a Glance

China objects to the U.S. deployment of Typhon missiles in the Philippines.
Possible U.S. discussions about deploying the system in Japan have also raised concerns in Beijing.
The PRC warns this could escalate regional tensions and has suggested potential “vigorous measures.”
The U.S. describes the deployment as crucial for strategic defense and military cooperation in the Pacific.

China’s Objections to U.S. Missile Deployment

China has openly criticized the United States for its deployment of the Typhon intermediate-range missile system in the Philippines. Beijing asserts that such military moves exacerbate regional instability and could lead to an escalation in hostilities. This positioning has been a point of contention, given China’s own significant military expansions in the South China Sea over recent years.

The Typhon missile system, which includes Tomahawk and Standard Missile-6 capabilities, was initially brought to the Philippines for joint exercises in April. However, its indefinite deployment has highlighted the U.S.’s intent to strengthen its defensive posture in the region. This strategic move aims to counterbalance China’s growing military influence in both the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

China has been clear about its opposition to the US deployment of Mid-Range Capability missile system in the Philippines. The US must quickly pull out the missile system as publicly pledged. pic.twitter.com/aRuSwkZILv

— Spokesperson发言人办公室 (@MFA_China) September 19, 2024

Regional Implications and Defense Strategies

Chinese officials have raised alarms, suggesting that the U.S. deployment could trigger an arms race and destabilize the region. The deployment aligns with the U.S.’s broader strategy to maintain a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific amid ongoing territorial disputes. The U.S. has emphasized the necessity of such actions to ensure strategic partnerships and effective defense mechanisms with its Asian allies.

China’s military and diplomatic responses have included conducting military exercises and test-launching intercontinental ballistic missiles. These activities reflect Beijing’s intent to showcase its military capabilities and deter potential U.S. and ally actions considered hostile by China. The U.S.’s moves are part of a calculated effort to reinforce security commitments, such as the deployment enabled by the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows the U.S. access to nine military sites in the Philippines.

WATCH VIDEO：#China criticizes #US missile system deployment in Philippines, points to threats to regional peace pic.twitter.com/aEWj0E2ZFJ

— ShanghaiEye🚀official (@ShanghaiEye) July 6, 2024

Philippine Position and Future Prospects

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has been vocal in defending the deployment, criticizing China’s military buildup in the South China Sea. Teodoro cited the necessity of the Typhon system for national defense, despite China’s disapproval.

Military leaders in the Philippines have advocated for the permanent presence of this missile system, underscoring its strategic importance in deterring potential aggression from Beijing. This development marks a significant upgrade in U.S. military capabilities in the Philippines, further solidifying the bilateral defense relationship through formal agreements and rotational deployments.