By Zhang Yan
The Philippine military on December 23 once again announced plans to procure the US Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system to safeguard its maritime interests. From introducing the Typhon missile system under the guise of joint exercises to delaying its withdrawal and now planning to purchase it from the US, the Philippines has been working closely with external forces. These dangerous actions severely undermine regional security and stability and represent an irresponsible choice for the security of the Philippines itself, Southeast Asian countries and the region.
US-Philippines relations have warmed rapidly in recent years. Led by the US, the two nations have resumed the "2+2" meetings between their foreign and defense ministers, announced an expansion and full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), established four new military bases for the US, and formulated the US-Philippines Bilateral Defense Guidelines. They also conducted frequent joint military exercises and accelerated US-Philippines-Japan and US-Philippines-Australia trilateral defense cooperation as well as quadrilateral cooperation among the US, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia. The US-Philippines military alliance has clearly deepened and its orientation towards countering China has become increasingly evident.
The US has intensified its forward deployments in the region to support the Philippines. In April this year, the US deployed the Typhon mid-range missile system in northern Philippines under the pretext of military exercises. This marked the first deployment of a ground-based mid-range missile system in the region since the end of the Cold War and the first such deployment since the US withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019. The Typhon mid-range missile system was to be removed by September. However, not only has the Typhon missile system not been removed, but there are reports of the Philippine military's intention to purchase it from the US. This has exposed the US' strategy of "salami-slicing" to enhance its strategic presence in the Asia-Pacific, thereby destabilizing regional security.
The US has increased its military assistance to the Philippines to instigate it to provoke actions in the South China Sea. During the US-Japan-Philippines trilateral summit in April, the US and Japan pledged to invest USD 100 billion in the Philippines over the next five to ten years. In July, the US announced USD 500 million in military aid for modernizing the Philippine military. At the end of October, the US promised in a statement USD 8 million to support the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard. However, analysts suggest that these commitments are largely symbolic, and it remains to be seen whether they can be fulfilled.
The US and the Philippines have deepened their military cooperation to serve their respective interests. Since 2023, the US has intensified its push for the so-called "Indo-Pacific Strategy," using alliances as key tools to counter and contain China. The Philippines has effectively become a pawn in this attempt. Through US-Philippines military cooperation, the US aims to strengthen its foothold in Southeast Asia, reduce the cost of power projection, and enhance its "Indo-Pacific" network of alliances and partnerships. As for the Philippines, it fantasizes about relying on the US to gain the dual benefits of security and economic development.
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger once said that it may be dangerous to be America's enemy, but to be America's friend is fatal. The US often profits by injecting aid funds and creating risks of war, achieving substantial gains at minimal cost, while leaving behind turmoil, division and confrontation for the countries involved. Today, the US is instigating and condoning Philippine provocations in the South China Sea for its selfish interests, inviting widespread disdain from peace-loving people around the world. At the ASEAN Summit in October, the Philippines once again attempted to stir up the South China Sea issue, but no ASEAN member state echoed its sentiments. Anyone with a discerning eye can see clearly that showing off military power and provoking confrontation will not win the trust of the international community for the US or the Philippines.
In today's turbulent world, the peace and stability of the South China Sea depend on the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries. China has always maintained a high degree of restraint and advocated seeking a solution acceptable to both sides in the spirit of good-neighborliness and friendship and respecting historical and legal facts on maritime disputes. However, goodwill must not be abused. The Philippines should heed the voices of regional countries and peoples, correct its mistakes promptly, fulfill its public commitments by withdrawing the Typhon missile system, and avoid straying further down the wrong path.
(The author is from the PLA National University of Defense Technology.)
