Beijing issued a warning to the United States regarding their deployment of the Mid Range Capability (MRC), also called Typhon in the Philippines. China declares the missile system poses a threat to its national security and that it won’t “sit by” as the US deploys the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system in the Philippines.
What is the significance of Typhon deployment?
In April 2024, the U.S. Army began deploying the Typhon system to the Philippines. The system can launch a variety of missiles to perform land-attack, anti-air-defense, or anti-ship missions. With a range up to 1,000 miles, it is capable of reaching targets on Chinese territory claimed in the South China Sea.
The U.S., Philippines and other countries have decided to keep the Typhon in place “indefinitely” even though it was originally intended as a military exercise. China has been angered by this decision, as it views the deployment of the Typhon as provocative and aggravating existing territorial disputes within the South China Sea.
China’s perspective of escalating tensions
Guo Jiakun is the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. He claims that the Philippines have not followed through on their commitment to remove Typhon systems after the conclusion of military exercises. Guo called the situation “ridiculous”, and “extremely hazardous” referring to Gilberto Teodoro’s statements about Manila’s plans for acquiring the Typhon to enhance its defence capabilities.
Teodoro is interviewed by The Japan TimesThe acquisition of a Typhon-like system is “in the pipeline,” although he didn’t specify if it was the Typhon, or something similar. He justified the possible acquisition by claiming it was a way to safeguard the “territorial sovereignty and integrity” of the Philippines. The plan to purchase a mobile launcher for missiles could increase tensions within the region.
China accuses the Philippines of “introducing geopolitical conflict and the risk of an arms race in the region.” China also claims that Typhon’s deployment violates the “legitimate interests” of many nations.
Typhon has intensified existing tensions between the Philippines and China in ongoing standoffs on the sea. The removal of the Typhon system was contingent on China’s ceasing aggressive activities in the South China Sea, as stated by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This ongoing dispute highlights both the complexity of the geopolitical environment and the difficulties in maintaining stability within the region.
According to the U.S. Army, the deployment of missiles is intended to boost the Philippines’ capabilities in maritime defense. After the first relocation of Typhon, the U.S. army clarified the fact that it was not meant to be a “permanent deployment”.
Key Figures’ statements
Guo Jiakun is the spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry. “We urge the Philippines, when dealing with issues such as Typhon, to take a different course. Make a choice which truly benefits itself and the people of the Philippines. Do not continue down the wrong road and harm the Philippines.”
Gilberto Teodoro is the Philippines’ defense secretary. The Japan Times: “We feel we have the right to field these deterrent capabilities … because we are operating under an open, transparent and democratic governmental system that has shown more maturity and responsibility under international law than the sole objector to us having these capabilities, which is China.” He points out that the Philippines has a right to defend itself.
Look Forward
Typhon’s future in the Philippines continues to be uncertain. Uncertainty exists as to when or if the Typhon system will be taken down. It is not known if the mobile launcher can be used to test against moving targets while it’s deployed. This could prove problematic, especially in light of the territorial dispute.