According to a Philippine Army spokesman, the US mid-range missile system, which had been deployed in the Philippines for annual joint military exercises, will now be withdrawn from the country. China had expressed its annoyance over the deployment of the missile system.
In April, the US Army announced the deployment of the Mid-Range Capability missile system to the northern Philippines. This system is capable of launching both the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile.
According to Colonel Louie Dema-ala, the Philippine troops have been trained on how to operate and upkeep the Typhon missile system. However, the system was not utilized during any live-fire drills.
“Dema-ala stated that the item will be shipped out of the country in September or possibly earlier, as per the plan.”
“At present, the equipment utilized by us during the Balikatan and Salaknib exercises is being shipped out by the US Army.”
Beijing was angered by the presence of the mid-range missile system on Philippine soil.
In June, the Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun cautioned that Beijing’s restraint regarding the South China Sea and the deployment of ballistic missiles in the Asia-Pacific region had “limits.”
During a security forum in Singapore, Dong made it evident that he was referring to the Philippines and the United States. Both countries have been strengthening their defense relations in response to China’s increasing military power and influence.
According to Dong, the deployment of “medium-range ballistic missiles” has greatly harmed regional security and stability.
If you continue to act in such a manner, you will eventually end up hurting yourself.