China has strongly criticized the Philippines' plan to deploy midrange missiles, labeling it as extremely irresponsible and provocative. This declaration came shortly after Lieutenant General Roy Galido, the top official of the Philippine Army, disclosed the intentions of the military to acquire such missile systems. The aim is to defend the country's territory, especially considering the growing tensions with China in the strategically important South China Sea.
The remarks from the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, underline China's apprehensions about what they view as deepening regional tensions. At a briefing, she claimed the deployment would intensify geopolitical confrontations and escalate the arms race within Southeast Asia. 'It is an extremely irresponsible choice for the history and the people of itself and the whole of Southeast Asia, as well as for the security of the region,' Mao asserted.
This controversy has roots traceable to recent military exercises conducted by the U.S. Army, which included the deployment of its Typhon midrange missile system to northern Philippines earlier this year. This system, capable of launching Tomahawk missiles with ranges exceeding 1,000 miles, has been pivotal for joint military training exercises involving U.S. and Philippine forces, which have been training for potential operational scenarios involving heavy weaponry.
While General Galido confirmed plans for the acquisition of midrange capabilities to project military power, he emphasized the Philippines would not necessarily opt for the Typhon system. The military is exploring various weapon platforms from multiple allied nations, focusing primarily on defending the country's exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from its shores.
'It is planned to be acquired because we see its feasibility and its functionality within our comprehensive archipelagic defense concept (CADC) implementation,' Galido explained, highlighting the need for enhanced military capabilities to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
The CADC strategy signifies the Philippine government's objective to augment military strength throughout the archipelago and monitor its EEZ effectively. Galido noted the limitations of the army's operational reach beyond established shorelines, asserting the importance of collaborating with the navy and air force to extend defense capabilities.
This renewed focus on enhancing military preparedness follows China's increasing activities and assertiveness within disputed areas of the South China Sea, which the Philippines also claims. Beijing, meanwhile, views U.S. military support to the Philippines unfavorably, insisting such actions must be reversed to de-escalate tensions.
While discussing defense strategies, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. previously indicated plans to acquire intermediate missile launchers but did not endorse specific models like the Typhon. The strategy includes investments not only in missile systems but also development of other military assets to support broader defense goals.
The Philippine military has also welcomed the recent acquisition of the BrahMos medium-range supersonic cruise missiles, which can be launched from various platforms. These missiles, delivered to the Philippines earlier this year, exhibit the country’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities to address regional threats.
Beyond enhancing missile defense, Galido proposed the establishment of dedicated military units to maintain and operate such advanced weaponry systems. These developments signify the Philippines' growing defense posture and reliance on technological advancements to safeguard against external threats.
The Typhon missile’s stationing—initially intended for temporary training exercises—has now evolved to indicate its potential long-term presence, mainly to fortify deterrence against any aggression from China. Philippine officials, including Army Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., have expressed interest in retaining such systems permanently if deemed necessary for military training exercises.
China’s response to the U.S. missile deployments reflects broader regional concerns over military escalation exacerbated by territorial disputes. Recent comments from Chinese military officials criticize America for adopting confrontational policies and exacerbated tensions globally, reiterative of the delicate equilibrium between superpowers and regional forces.
Looking at overall developments, the Philippine military continues to prioritize national sovereignty and territorial integrity through enhanced military cooperation with allies, particularly the United States. The future acquisitions and developments hinge strongly on economic viability and the intense geopolitical climate surrounding the South China Sea.
With the right balance of ideological diplomacy and rigorous defense strategy, the Philippines marks its strategic territory within the rapidly shaping dynamics of Southeast Asia, encountering the historical weight of rising militarization and the international order.
