Philippines Denies China's Claims on US Missile System

The Philippines has firmly rejected China's claims that it had committed to removing the U.S. Typhon missile system from its territory, asserting that no such promises were made. Chinese officials have accused the Philippines of breaching agreements and have called for the missile's withdrawal, arguing that its presence escalates regional tensions and risks geopolitical confrontation. Despite these accusations, Philippine officials, including National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, emphasized that the Typhon system is intended for defense, and the country retains the right to maintain it as part of its security framework. The missile system, which can target areas deep into Chinese territory, has drawn significant criticism from Beijing, which views it as a strategic threat. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. indicated a willingness to reassess the missile's presence if China adjusts its actions in the South China Sea, further complicating the dynamics between the three nations. This situation underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the ongoing military collaboration between the U.S. and the Philippines.