Typhon missile system deployment for exercises legal –DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 24, 2024): Typhon missile system deployment for exercises legal –DND chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (File photo)

MANILA – The deployment of the US-made Mid-Range Capability (MRC) "Typhon" Missile System in the Philippines in the context of joint exercises is completely "legitimate, legal, and beyond reproach”, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Teodoro said the Philippines is a sovereign state, not any country’s “doorstep.”

"Any deployment and procurement of assets related to the Philippines’ security and defense fall within its own sovereign prerogative and are not subject to any foreign veto," he said.

Teodoro issued this comment after China scored Philippine plans to procure "Typhon" and similar platforms as part of efforts to beef up its capabilities.

China also said the US deployment of the MRC "Typhon" to the Philippines is allowing a country outside the region to fuel tensions in the area.

The DND chief added that enhancement of the country's defense capabilities in accordance with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) is conducted based on the Philippines’ own national interest and by the country's independent foreign policy.

Teodoro also said this strategy is not aimed at countries but targeted against security risks, threats, and challenges.

"If the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is truly intent on reducing tensions and instability in the region, they should cease their saber rattling, stop their provocative actions, halt their interference in other countries' internal affairs, withdraw their illegal presence from the Philippines' EEZ (exclusive economic zone), and adhere to international law," he added.

While the CCP is criticizing the modest capability development of the Philippines, Teodoro finds it ironic that China is continuously building up its nuclear arsenal and ballistic missile capability, sponsoring criminal syndicates and subversive organizations beyond their shores, and is unwilling to uphold human rights in their own country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240511