MANILA, Philippine: The United States has no immediate plans to withdraw the Typhon mid-range missile system from the Philippines, despite demands from China.
The system, capable of launching missiles with ranges exceeding 1,600 km, was initially deployed for joint exercises earlier this year. However, it has remained in place due to its strategic importance. The U.S. and the Philippines are currently testing its feasibility for use in a potential regional conflict, particularly if tensions escalate in the South China Sea or with Taiwan.
The Southeast Asian nation holds a critical position in US defence strategy, as it is geographically near Taiwan and the South China Sea, two potential flashpoints for conflict. As such, the missile system’s continued presence is seen as a deterrent against Chinese aggression.
According to Philippine officials, joint training with U.S. forces continues, and there are no immediate plans to remove the system, despite the conclusion of scheduled military exercises.
The deployment of the Typhon system has sparked protests from both China and Russia, with both countries accusing the US of promoting regional weapons race. China has also been increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, building and militarizing islands, despite a 2016 international ruling in favor of the Philippines. In contrast, the U.S. has been ramping up its anti-ship missile capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, signaling its intent to counter China’s military buildup.
The ongoing presence of the Typhon system is of strategic value to both the US and the Philippines. For the US, it represents a critical asset in the broader Indo-Pacific missile race, while for the Philippines, it acts as a deterrent against China’s growing influence in the region. Despite China’s protests, the system’s presence seems likely to continue as the U.S. and its allies prepare for the possibility of future conflicts.
