The Philippines is taking a firm stance by moving forward with plans to acquire the U.S.-made Typhon missile system, dismissing China’s demands for its removal. This move signals a bold declaration of self-reliance as tensions rise in the South China Sea.

In recent months, Chinese naval and coast guard forces have increasingly clashed with the Philippines over disputed territories in the South China Sea, an area Beijing claims almost entirely, despite an international ruling invalidating those claims.

Multiple confrontations have occurred, with Chinese vessels ramming and using water cannons against Philippine ships, resulting in damage and injuries.

The Philippine Army recently announced plans to purchase an advanced mid-range capability (MRC) missile launcher from the U.S. However, this does not specifically refer to the U.S.-made Typhon system, whose deployment to the country earlier this year had already angered China.

Philippine Army chief Lieutenant-General Roy Galido emphasized the system’s importance in strengthening the country’s defense strategy.

“We see its feasibility and its functionality,” Galido said during a press conference. “I’m happy to report to our fellow countrymen that your army is developing this capability for the interest of protecting our sovereignty.” He explained that the acquisition cost would depend on economic factors.

The U.S. deployed a Typhon missile system to the northern Philippines earlier this year, positioning it near Taiwan for a series of large-scale military exercises between Manila and Washington. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, which has accused Manila of escalating tensions in the region.

China escalated its objections on December 26, demanding that the Philippines remove the missile system.

“We once again urge the Philippines to bear in mind that the only right way to safeguard national security is to uphold strategic independence, good neighborliness, and peaceful development,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

“We once again call on the Philippines to heed the call of regional countries, quickly pull out the missile system as publicly pledged, and stop aggravating its wrongful act,” Mao said in a press conference in Beijing.

Mao accused the Philippines of stoking regional tensions by introducing “geopolitical confrontation and arms race into the region.” She warned that the Typhon system, capable of carrying conventional or nuclear payloads, poses a “substantive threat to regional peace and security”.

“It is not a defensive weapon, but a strategic and offensive one,” Mao asserted. “The Philippines has worked with the US to bring in the Typhon system, placing its national security and defense in the hands of others.”

“Whose interest does this move serve? How could anyone believe this is independent foreign policy? What the Philippines is doing benefits no one,” she said. 

China demands removal of missile system

Mao criticized the Philippines for reversing its earlier assurances that the Typhon system would leave after joint exercises in September.

“The Philippine side went back on its word, saying they would like to have the Typhon here in the Philippines forever and even plans to acquire the systems. This is a deliberate breach of the Philippines’ own words,” she said.

Mao also accused the Philippines of cooperating with external forces to “flex muscle” in the region, warning that Manila’s actions risk harming its own interests.

“Who’s been making provocations and stirring up trouble in the South China Sea? Who’s been cooperating with external forces to flex muscle? Who’s broken the international law and yet claims to uphold it? The answer is quite clear to countries in the region,” she said. 

Mao emphasized that China would take action if its security interests are endangered or threatened.

“Some individuals in the Philippines need to correct their understanding, reflect on their own words and deeds, and stop inverting the truth and pretending to be the victim,” Mao said.

Manila defends sovereignty

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. firmly rejected Beijing’s demands and reiterated the country’s right to make its own security decisions.

“The Philippines is a sovereign state, not any country’s ‘doorstep,’” Teodoro said in a December 24 statement. “Any deployment and procurement of assets related to the Philippines’ security and defense fall within its own sovereign prerogative and are not subject to any foreign veto.”

Teodoro explained that the missile system enhances the Philippines’ defense capabilities under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). He emphasized that the move addresses security risks rather than targeting any specific nation.

“It is not targeted against specific countries. Instead, it is targeted against security risks, threats, and challenges,” the country’s defense chief said.

“This is completely legitimate, legal, and beyond reproach,” he emphasized.

Deepening U.S.-Philippine military collaboration 

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Paparo Jr. highlighted the Typhon system’s role in improving military interoperability with the Philippines.

The U.S. deployed the Typhon system in April, where it was used during joint military training exercises like the Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) drills in May and the Salaknib Army-to-Army combat exercise. Though the missile system has not yet been fired in the Philippines, it remains a critical part of training and evaluation programs.

Lockheed Martin designed the Typhon Weapon System, which adapts the naval Mk.41 vertical launch system for land-based operations. The system is capable of firing Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles.

The Philippines’ decision to pursue the Typhon missile system underscores its commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities, despite opposition from China. 

While Beijing has criticized the move as provocative, Manila maintains that the acquisition is essential to safeguard its sovereignty.

Photo credit: Philippine Army. Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.