China warns Philippines against arms race in South China Sea
- The Philippine military plans to acquire a midrange missile system amid increasing tensions with China.
- China has condemned this decision, warning it could instigate an arms race in the Asia-Pacific.
- The Philippines prioritizes protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity through enhanced military capabilities.
The Philippines has announced intentions to acquire a midrange missile system to bolster its territorial defenses amid worsening tensions with China regarding the South China Sea. Lieutenant-General Roy Galido, the Philippine military chief, stated that this procurement is essential for protecting their sovereignty. The decision follows the deployment of the US Typhon missile system in the Philippines earlier this year, which is capable of firing Tomahawk missiles that can reach significant distances, including within range of China. China, which claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, has expressed strong opposition to the Philippines' plans, labeling them as a provocative and dangerous escalation that could lead to an arms race in the region. Spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that such actions are extremely irresponsible. Despite China's concerns, the Philippine military is moving forward with plans to acquire the missile system as part of its broader defense strategy, which seeks to secure its exclusive economic zone and maritime rights. The Typhon missile system, developed by Lockheed Martin, features a range that allows the Philippines to extend its defensive capabilities across its maritime entitlements. Galido asserted that the system would enable the military to project force effectively while coordinating with the navy and air force. However, he noted that the acquisition has not yet been budgeted for 2025, and it may take two or more years to finalize the purchase. The regional security landscape is becoming increasingly complex, as the Philippines seeks to enhance its defense mechanisms in light of rising maritime tensions. The US has been active in bolstering military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, further complicating relationships among neighboring countries. Overall, the Philippines' potential deployment of midrange missile systems underlines growing concerns over security and the urgency of responding to perceived threats in the area.