Philippines to Keep US Typhon Missile System Indefinitely Despite China's Objections

American and Filipino officials agree to maintain the missile system to bolster defense and deterrence amid rising tensions with China.

Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. expressed a desire to keep the US Typhon missile system in the Philippines indefinitely.
The Typhon system, capable of firing Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, was first deployed to the Philippines in April for joint military exercises.
China has repeatedly condemned the deployment, warning it could destabilize the region and exacerbate an arms race.
Philippine officials argue that keeping the missile system is essential for national defense and accuse China of interfering in their internal affairs.
Discussions are ongoing about extending the missile system's stay until at least April next year, coinciding with the annual US-Philippines Balikatan military exercises.