China renews demand for US to withdraw mid-range missile system deployed in PH

Department of Security and Military Research and Studies 20-09-2024

China is seriously concerned about reports that the United States has no immediate plans to withdraw a mid-range missile system deployed in the Philippines, despite Chinese demands.

“We urge the relevant country to heed the call of countries in the region, correct the wrongdoing as soon as possible, stop inciting military confrontation, quickly withdraw the missile system as publicly pledged, and avoid going further down the wrong path,” Lin Jian, the spokesman of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), said in his regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

According to reports, the United States is also testing the missiles’ feasibility in a regional conflict.

The Typhon system can be equipped with cruise missiles capable of striking Chinese targets. It was brought in for joint exercises between the US and the Philippines this year but has remained there.

The US army chief has also said that the US was considering the possibility of deploying medium and short-range missiles in Japan.

Lin Jian said that in recent years, the US has been hellbent on advancing military deployment, including the Mid-Range Capability missile system, in the Asia-Pacific to pursue absolute military advantages.