In a recent escalation of tensions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has condemned the United States' deployment of the Typhon missile system in the Philippines, asserting that it undermines regional peace and stability. The Typhon system, capable of striking targets in China, was transported to the northern Philippines in April 2024 and is expected to remain until at least April 2025 for the annual Balikatan exercises, which are joint military drills with the US [d204b4f8].
Wang Yi's remarks came during discussions with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in New York on September 28, 2024, where he emphasized that the missile deployment is not in the interests of regional countries and called for efforts to avoid "war or chaos on the Korean Peninsula" [32bce12a]. This statement aligns with China's ongoing demands for the removal of the missile system, which it views as a direct threat to its national security [32bce12a].
Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has firmly rejected China's criticisms, urging the nation to dismantle its nuclear arsenal before making demands on the Philippines. He reiterated the country's sovereign right to enhance its defense capabilities in light of increasing tensions in the South China Sea [d204b4f8].
Support for the Typhon system's presence has been echoed by Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., who advocates for its permanent deployment to bolster national defense. Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo has also dismissed China's concerns, reinforcing the Philippines' stance on the matter [d204b4f8].
As tensions escalate, the Philippines plans to host a summit involving at least 20 nations to address the challenges posed by China's assertive actions in the South China Sea. Philippine envoy Jose Manuel Romualdez highlighted the need for a united front against China's confrontations, particularly following recent incidents involving ramming encounters between Philippine and Chinese coastguard vessels [9f285825]. The Typhon missile system's deployment is seen as a critical component of the Philippines' national security strategy amidst these geopolitical tensions [d204b4f8].