Philippines responds to China threat about keeping US missiles

A Delicate Balance of Power: The Philippines, the U.S., and China in the South China Sea

The Philippines has clarified that it never agreed to remove a U.S.-deployed missile system, despite China’s threats to take countermeasures. The U.S. Army installed the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system, known as Typhon, in the Philippines during military exercises in April 2023. Initially intended for the duration of the drills, both nations later decided to keep the system in place indefinitely. China has strongly condemned this decision, calling it a "highly dangerous move" that undermines regional stability. The Typhon system is capable of firing two types of missiles, with a range of up to 1,000 miles, making it a significant strategic asset in the region.

The U.S. Missile System and China’s Response

The deployment of the Typhon missile system has become a flashpoint in the escalating tensions between the Philippines, the U.S., and China. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had initially suggested that the system could be removed if China agreed to cease its aggressive activities in the South China Sea, where both countries have overlapping territorial claims. However, the Philippines later backtracked, stating that no formal commitment was ever made to withdraw the system. China, which has been expanding its military presence in the contested waters, views the deployment as a direct threat to its security interests.

In response to China’s criticisms, Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson for the Philippine National Security Council, emphasized that the Philippines had never promised to remove the system. Malaya accused China of hypocrisy, pointing out that Beijing has been actively modernizing its offensive capabilities while criticizing Manila’s efforts to strengthen its defense. "We never criticized, we never commented even on their continued improvement of their offensive capabilities," Malaya said during a press briefing. He also highlighted China’s military activities, including the training and testing of ballistic missiles, which have raised concerns in the region.

The U.S. Perspective and China’s Warnings

The U.S. has framed the deployment of the Typhon system as a response to "growing threats" in the region. A U.S. State Department spokesperson described the system as a "temporary deployment" that does not carry nuclear warheads, emphasizing its defensive nature. However, China has dismissed this explanation, with Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang of the Chinese Defense Ministry describing the system as a "strategic asset" and an "offensive weapon." Zhang warned that China would take "necessary measures" to counter what it views as provocations, aligning with the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s earlier statement that Beijing would not "sit idly by."

The Broader Geopolitical Implications

The standoff over the Typhon missile system reflects the broader tensions in the South China Sea, where the U.S., China, and Southeast Asian nations are engaged in a delicate balancing act. The U.S. has been strengthening its military ties with allies like the Philippines to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Meanwhile, China has been asserting its claims to disputed islands and waters, often through military deployments and economic pressure. The deployment of the Typhon system has become a symbolic issue in this broader struggle for dominance.

What Comes Next?

As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains uncertain. China is likely to maintain its pressure on the Philippines to remove the Typhon system, while the U.S. is expected to continue supporting its ally. The Philippines, caught in the middle, must navigate this fragile geopolitical landscape while safeguarding its sovereignty and security. The outcome of this standoff will have significant implications not only for the Philippines but also for the balance of power in the South China Sea and beyond.

In the words of Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, China is urging the Philippines to "recognize the high sensitivity and severe consequences of this issue" and return to dialogue. However, with no clear resolution in sight, the region remains on edge, bracing for potential escalations.