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| China's demand for the Philippines to remove U.S. Typhon missile launchers. |
China has reiterated its call for the Philippines to remove the U.S. Typhon missile launchers from its territory following their recent redeployment within Luzon. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that the deployment of these missile systems escalates regional tensions and fosters geopolitical confrontations. She urged the Philippines to "correct the wrongdoing as soon as possible, quickly pull out the Typhon missile system as publicly pledged, and stop going further down the wrong path."
The U.S. military has relocated its Typhon missile launchers, capable of firing multipurpose missiles such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 missiles, from Laoag airfield to a new, undisclosed location on Luzon island. This move aims to enhance the mobility and survivability of the missile battery during potential conflicts. Satellite imagery confirmed the relocation of the equipment on C-17 transport aircraft.
The redeployment has drawn criticism from China, which accuses the Philippines of increasing regional tensions. Mao Ning stated that with the deployment of the U.S.' Typhon missile launchers in the region, "the Philippines is essentially creating tensions and antagonism in the region and inciting geopolitical confrontation and an arms race."
In response to China's concerns, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. defended the deployment, asserting that decisions regarding military assets within the Philippines are a sovereign matter. He emphasized that such deployments are legal and legitimate, aiming to enhance the country's defense capabilities.
The presence of the Typhon missile system in the Philippines has been a point of contention since its initial deployment in April 2024 during joint military exercises. Despite China's objections, U.S. and Philippine officials have agreed to keep the system in place as a deterrent measure.
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