Philippines’ decision to acquire Typhon missile system from US rattles China, Beijing issues warning, says its threat to…

Amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea, the Philippines is reportedly planning to acquire the medium-range Typhon missile system from the US, a move which has infuriated its powerful neighbour who has slammed it as a “highly irresponsible decision” that threatens peace and security in Southeast Asia.

Talking to reporters on Monday, a top Philippines military official said the country is mulling to purchase the US-made Typhon missile system and deploy it in the South China Sea. “Yes, there are plans, discussions are ongoing as we look at its feasibility and adaptability,” Philippines army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido told reporters in Manila.

In April, the US had deployed the Typhon system in northern Philippines, which can be equipped with cruise missiles capable of striking Chinese targets, and started conducted joint exercises.

China urges Philippines to ‘pull out’

Reacting to the development, China has vehemently opposed the move, asserting that it would would intensify geopolitical confrontation and fuel arms race in the region.

Beijing gas urged the Philippines to “quickly pull out the Typhon missile system as publicly pledged, and stop going further down the wrong path,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press conference on Monday.

“This is a highly irresponsible decision, a threat to their history and people and to the security of the region as well as to the whole of Southeast Asia,” Ning said.

Tensions have heightened in the past few years between China and the Philippines over disputed territory in the South China Sea, primarily due a strengthening of defence ties between treaty allies Manila and Washington.

What is the Typhon system?

The Typhon, also known as the “Strategic Mid-range Fires System” (SMRF), is a US Army transporter erector launcher for Standard SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles. Formerly known as the Midrange Capabilities System (MCS), it has since been renamed to the Strategic Mid-range Fires System (SMRF) and given the designation “Typhon”.