Philstar.com
September 19, 2025 | 7:00am
MANILA, Philippines — China on Thursday urged the United States and Japan to withdraw the Typhon missile system after it was showcased for the first time in Japan during joint military drills. The weapon was earlier deployed in the Philippines and is eyed by Manila for future acquisition.
Japan’s defense ministry said the “Resolute Dragon” exercises began Thursday and run until Sept. 25. The Self-Defense Forces confirmed the system was displayed but would not be fired.
Beijing’s foreign ministry accused Washington and Tokyo of “disregarding China’s solemn concerns.”
“The United States and Japan… have insisted on deploying the Typhon mid-range missile system in Japan under the pretext of joint exercises,” spokesman Lin Jian said. “China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this.”
The Typhon system, part of the US Army’s long-range precision strike modernization program, uses modified SM-6 and Tomahawk cruise missiles for ground launch. It was deployed in northern Philippines in 2024 during joint drills.
Manila drew Beijing’s ire in December when it announced plans to acquire the system to boost maritime defense.
Lin warned the deployments “heighten the risk of a regional arms race and military confrontation.” — based on reports from Agence France-Presse in Beijing
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