A longtime U.S. ally highlighted the reach of American missile power in Asia after acknowledging that U.S.-deployed Typhon systems stationed in the country can strike mainland China; a stark reminder just days before President Donald Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. pointedly stated in an interview less than a week before the Trump-Xi talks that U.S.-made Typhon missiles stationed in the country have the range to strike deep into Chinese territory if “any threats” arise, according to Newsweek. Beijing has repeatedly pressured Manila over the deployment as it expands its military footprint in the South China Sea.
“These are medium-range missiles, meaning that if they are launched, they can reach mainland China and even their artificial islands,” Brawner said in a Friday interview, the Daily Tribune reported. “But for us, they do not matter to others; we are strengthening the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] to defend our country against any nation attempting to invade or seize our territory.”
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said in February that the communist nation “will not sit idly by when its security interests are harmed or threatened,” urging the Philippines to “change course” on its acceptance of the American Typhon deployment.
The Philippines are a critical strategic U.S. ally due to the proximity to the South China Sea, where China has been expanding it military presence. The U.S. formerly administered the archipelago nation from 1898 to 1946.
President Donald Trump aims to make progress on restoring a trade relationship with China in South Korea at the meeting with Xi.
The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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