The Philippines has recently moved to allay China’s concerns regarding the deployment of a U.S. intermediate-range missile system on its territory. In a bid to address China's apprehensions, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo emphasised that the missile system does not pose a threat and will not disrupt regional stability.
During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Laos on the sidelines of ASEAN discussions, Wang Yi expressed worries about the missile system, describing its presence as potentially destabilising. In response, Manalo reassured Wang that the missile system’s presence was temporary and non-threatening.
The U.S. Typhon missile system, which includes capabilities for launching Tomahawk land attack and SM-6 missiles, was recently shipped to the Philippines for testing. The system was not used in drills, but the delivery was part of efforts to evaluate the feasibility of airlifting the 40-ton weapon.
This missile deployment comes amid growing security cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. Both countries are working closely to address what they view as China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea and near Taiwan. Tensions between the Philippines and China have risen, particularly concerning disputed areas in the South China Sea.
Recently, the Philippines accused China’s air force of executing risky manoeuvres over the Scarborough Shoal, a contested territory. China countered that its aircraft operated lawfully. This incident follows a period of attempts by Manila and Beijing to better manage their maritime disputes.
Manalo also expressed hopes that China would adhere to a provisional agreement regarding resupply missions to a beached Philippine vessel at the Second Thomas Shoal. Whether similar arrangements could be made for other contested areas in the South China Sea would depend on specific circumstances.
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