Philippines Denies Commitment to Remove US-Deployed Typhon Missiles from China

The Philippines has firmly denied any promises made to China to withdraw the US-deployed Typhon missiles from its territory. This development comes amid mounting tensions in the South China Sea.

Philippine Government Clarification

According to the National Security Council (NSC), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made an offer, rather than a commitment, to pull out the mid-range missile systems in exchange for China’s cessation of aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The Philippines never promised the People’s Republic of China that we will withdraw the Typhon missile system in the Philippines,” said NSC Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya in a press briefing.

“We never made any commitment to the PRC in this regard,” he added.

Details of the Typhon Missile Deployment

The Typhon missile system arrived in the Philippines in 2024. The Philippine Army (PA) explains it is being used for military training and exercises to familiarize troops with modern weaponry.

“The missile system is here primarily for readiness, interoperability. Because we have a mutual defense treaty with the US, the Philippines troops have to be familiar with the weapon systems of our partners and allies,” said Malaya.

The spokesperson also noted that since the President’s offer was made publicly through media, it has not yet received a response from China.

China’s Opposition and Allegations

China has strongly opposed the deployment of the Typhon missiles, asserting it will not remain silent about the threat posed to its interests in the South China Sea. Beijing accused the Philippines of breaking its commitments.

“The Philippines has explained itself multiple times regarding the introduction of the Typhon system, pledging that the deployment was ‘temporary’ and that the system will be shipped out of the country after relevant military exercises,” said China Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

“However, it has breached such commitments, claiming it would acquire its own midrange system and field these deterrent capabilities, and linking the South China Sea issue with the Typhon system,” he added.

US Military Movement

A senior Philippine government source reported that the US military had relocated its Typhon launcher from Laoag airfield in Ilocos Norte to another undisclosed location in Luzon. The Tomahawk cruise missiles can strike targets in both China and Russia, while the SM-6 missiles can engage air or sea targets from a range exceeding 200 kilometers.

Implications and Chinese Criticism

China’s defense ministry further accused the Philippines of compromising its own security and introducing geopolitical risks and arms races into the region.

“The Philippines was not only giving up its own security and national defense to others, but also introducing the risks of geopolitical confrontation and arms race into the region,” said Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for the Chinese defense ministry.

The missile system is a ‘strategic offensive weapon,’ and the Philippine side had repeatedly broken its promises to cater to the US side in introducing this system,” he added.

Conclusion

The standoff between the Philippines, China, and the US underscores the complex geopolitical landscape of the South China Sea. As tensions continue to escalate, both parties will need to address their concerns through dialogue and diplomacy to maintain regional stability.

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