Rising Tensions as U.S. Deploys Typhoon Missiles in Asia-Pacific

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At a Glance

The U.S. deploys Typhoon missile systems in the Philippines.
China warns that the deployment could destabilize the region.
The Philippines asserts the deployment is for training purposes.
The U.S. aims to bolster military cooperation with Asian allies.

Typhoon Missile System Deployed

The U.S. has deployed its “Typhoon” intermediate-range missile system in the Philippines and is in talks for a potential deployment in Japan. This has prompted strong warnings from China, which views these actions as a direct threat to regional stability. The Philippine Army states that the missile system is present for training purposes, yet Beijing insists that this deployment could elevate regional tensions and hints at possible retaliatory measures.

China has condemned the U.S.’s decision, warning that it could spark an arms race and destabilize the region. Chinese officials have expressed particular concern about the indefinite presence of the Typhoon missile system in the Philippines, stating that such actions are provocative. Despite Beijing’s protests, the U.S. emphasizes the importance of strengthening strategic alliances and ensuring military cooperation with its Asian partners, especially in light of territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.

Implications for Regional Security

This deployment represents a significant step in the U.S.’s broader strategy to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. The Typhoon missile system, capable of launching Tomahawk and Standard Missile-6 weapons, was initially introduced for joint exercises in April. Its continued presence indicates a commitment between the U.S. and the Philippines to bolster regional deterrence amidst ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro criticized China’s military buildup, accusing Beijing of interference.

Philippine military leaders advocate for the system’s permanent presence, citing national defense needs. They argue that this deployment is part of a broader U.S. effort to strengthen its military posture in the Indo-Pacific. The deployment marks an upgrade in U.S. capabilities in the Philippines, allowing for force dispersion to enhance survivability and lethality.

US missile system will remain in the Philippines despite China's alarm https://t.co/uEUAguoDS1

— The Associated Press (@AP) September 25, 2024

Broader Strategic Goals

The indefinite deployment of the Typhoon missile system aligns with the U.S.’s strategic objectives to reinforce security commitments with the Philippines. Formal agreements and rotational deployments are crucial aspects of this strategy. The 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) allows the U.S. access to nine military sites in the Philippines, facilitating robust defense collaborations. However, the U.S. has strategically leveraged ambiguity in its deployment, which may enable and restrain the Philippines in various ways.

“Destroy their nuclear arsenal, remove all their ballistic missile capabilities, get out of the West Philippines Sea and get out of Mischief Reef.” – Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro

The Philippines’ archipelagic configuration makes it an ideal location for the U.S. Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) operating concept, which aims to boost unpredictability and enhance operational capabilities. However, this deployment may face constraints due to the Philippines’ limited air and missile defense assets. By deploying the Typhoon system, the U.S., potentially borrowing from Russian and Chinese strategies, disguises military advancements as training exercises to maintain strategic leverage in the region.

China has been clear about its opposition to the US deployment of Mid-Range Capability missile system in the Philippines. The US must quickly pull out the missile system as publicly pledged. pic.twitter.com/aRuSwkZILv

— Spokesperson发言人办公室 (@MFA_China) September 19, 2024