China urges Philippines to 'quickly' withdraw US Typhon missile system
3 Min Read
The Typhon missile system was deployed back in April by the US as part of its annual joint military exercises with the Philippines.
-
Chinese FM spokesperson Lin Jian in a recent press conference on August 26, 2024. (X/ @globaltimesnews)
China urged the Philippines to "quickly" withdraw its US mid-range missile system Typhon, local media reported on Friday.
"The Philippines should not sacrifice its own security interests to benefit the US, and should adhere to the previous commitments and quickly withdraw the mid-range missile system," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, as quoted by the Global Times.
Washington deployed the Typhon missile system in late April as part of its joint military exercises with Manila, codenamed Balikatan 2024.
China has repeatedly expressed concern about the growing US military presence in the archipelagic country amid increasing tensions with the Philippines over disputed shoals in the South China Sea.
The Philippines' military spokesperson said last month that the missile system would be returned to the US in September.
Philippines to 'stand our ground' in South China Sea dispute
A top Philippine security official stated on July 12 that the Philippines will "stand our ground" in its dispute with Beijing over the South China Sea, marking eight years since an international ruling against China in the territorial contest.
Tensions over this strategic waterway, a crucial route for sea-borne trade, have escalated significantly over the past 18 months due to a series of confrontations between Philippine and Chinese ships.
While the countries agreed last week to "de-escalate tensions" over the disputed reefs and waters, Philippine National Security Advisor Eduardo Ano said that Manila would not back down.
"We will continue to stand our ground and push back against coercion, interference, malign influence, and other tactics that seek to jeopardize our security and stability," Ano said at an event celebrating the anniversary of the ruling by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Deteriorating China-Philippines relations
The Philippines filed a case against China in 2013, and three years later, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in Manila's favor, declaring China's claims had no legal basis.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who took office in 2016, set aside the ruling in favor of warmer ties with China. However, this stance changed when Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos was elected in 2022, insisting he would not let China "trample on Manila's maritime rights."
Since then, diplomatic relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated, as the Marcos administration criticized "Chinese actions". As per the administration, China deploys coast guard and other vessels to patrol waters around reefs, including the Second Thomas Shoal, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island.
