China criticizes the Philippines' decision to acquire the US Typhon | missile system Weapons News

China criticized the move, warning that the Philippines risked an “arms race” amid increased militarization of the South China Sea.

The Philippines has announced plans to buy the United States' Typhon missile system, prompting China to warn of an impending “arms race” in the Asia-Pacific region.

Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said Monday the country will acquire a medium-range missile system already deployed by US Army on its territory for annual joint military exercises, “in the interest of protecting our sovereignty”.

China, which claims almost all of it South China Sea in violation of international law and deployed its navy and coast guard in escalating confrontations over disputed reefs and waters, condemned the decision as a “provocative and dangerous move”.

“This is an extremely irresponsible choice for the history of his own people and the people of Southeast Asia, as well as for regional security,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning.

The region needed “peace and prosperity, not missiles and confrontation,” she added.

Galido said the acquisition is not yet budgeted for 2025. It is expected to take two years or more for the military to complete the purchase of the new weapons system.

“Designing Power”

The Typhon surface-to-air missile launcher, developed by US firm Lockheed Martin for the US military, has a range of 480 km (300 mi), although a longer-range version is under development.

Galido said the Typhon system would allow the military to “project power” outward up to 370 km (200 nautical miles), the limit of the nation's maritime rights from the archipelago under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He said the Typhon will “protect our floating assets,” referring to Philippine Navy ships, coast guard and other vessels.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun warned in June that the US military's deployment of the Typhon earlier this year was “seriously damaging to regional security and stability”.

Galido dismissed the criticism, saying his country “shouldn't worry about the apparent insecurity of others because we have no plans to go beyond our country's interests.”