The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday firmly dismissed China’s demand for the removal of US Typhon missile launchers, which were recently relocated to a new site in Luzon.
“No single entity can dictate how we deploy our defenses,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters.
She emphasized the Philippines’ sovereign right to enhance its security measures. “It’s an inherent right of every state to strengthen its defenses. How we go about it is entirely our decision. No one can dictate how we do it,” Padilla added.
Missile Movement for Training and Logistics
Padilla explained that the Typhon missile system, which includes mid-range capabilities, was in the Philippines primarily for training exercises. The recent relocation, she said, was part of logistical drills.
For security reasons, the AFP declined to disclose the system’s new location.
Response to China’s Warnings
China labeled the Typhon missile deployment “highly dangerous” and reiterated its call for the Philippines to remove the system, stating the move could escalate tensions in the region.
In response, Padilla pointed out the hypocrisy of China’s concerns, noting that Chinese vessels and artificial islands in the South China Sea—both equipped with missile-launching capabilities—pose significant threats as well.
“Let us not focus solely on the capabilities we are building to defend our nation. It is our inherent right to modernize and strengthen our alliances. No other nation can question this,” Padilla said.
China Urges Philippines to Reverse Course
On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged the Philippines to “correct this wrongdoing” by removing the Typhon missile system and avoid escalating regional tensions.
“We once again urge the Philippines to heed the concerns of regional countries and their peoples, correct this wrongdoing, quickly remove the Typhon missile system as publicly pledged, and avoid further going down the wrong path,” Mao said.
Strategic Deployment and Testing
According to a Reuters report, the US military recently moved the Typhon missile system from Laoag Airfield to another site in Luzon to test its mobility and response efficiency.
The Typhon system includes Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of hitting targets in China and Russia, as well as SM-6 missiles with a range exceeding 200 kilometers. The redeployment was aimed at testing the system’s ability to quickly shift firing positions.
Padilla underscored that the Philippines’ defensive measures are designed to protect its sovereignty and national interests amid ongoing challenges in the South China Sea.