Beijing, October 20XX — China has called on the Philippines to honor its promise and promptly withdraw the United States’ Typhon missile system from its territory. This appeal was made by Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, during a press briefing on Friday.
The U.S. deployed the Typhon missile system in the northern Philippines in April 2024 as part of joint military exercises between the two countries. While the Philippines had assured that the deployment was temporary and that the system would be removed after the drills, it remains in place months later.
“We urge the Philippine side to fully recognize the high sensitivity and serious harm of the missile system’s deployment,” Zhang stated. “The Philippines should withdraw the system as soon as possible in accordance with its promise and return to the right track of dialogue and consultation.”
China has consistently expressed firm opposition to the presence of U.S. intermediate-range missiles in the region, viewing such deployments as a threat to regional stability. Zhang emphasized that keeping the Typhon system on Philippine soil could escalate geopolitical tensions and spark an arms race.
He added that linking the missile system to disputes in the South China Sea is “both ridiculous and dangerous,” potentially jeopardizing the security and well-being of the Philippine people as well as peace in the region.
China pledged to take necessary measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. “We will continue to resolutely counter any infringing and provocative acts,” Zhang concluded.
