No one can dictate to the Philippines how it implements its independent foreign policies, particularly when enhancing its defense capabilities to protect national interests.

This was emphasized by National Security Adviser Eduardo Año in response to China’s recent criticism of the deployment of the United States-made Typhon missile system in the Philippines.

“The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to an independent foreign policy, grounded in the principles of sovereignty and the protection of our national interests,” Año said on Sunday.

Año criticized China for accusing the Philippines of creating trouble in the region, asserting that the country is simply improving its external deterrence capabilities.

“Recent comments suggesting that our efforts to enhance our defense and deterrence capabilities — specifically the deployment of the Typhon missile system — are part of a broader arms race or pose a threat to the region or any country are unfounded and are pure speculation,” he added.

In a press conference in Beijing on 27 December, Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the Philippines’ intention to acquire a missile system similar to the Typhon, claiming it “could trigger a regional arms race.” Mao also accused the Philippines of stirring up trouble in the South China Sea by cooperating with external forces to “flex muscle.”

Mao warned, “The Philippines will be hurting its own interests if it keeps refusing to change course” by allowing the presence of the US-made missile system in its jurisdiction.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian had previously accused the Philippines of collaborating with the US to instigate conflict in the South China Sea.

Lin cautioned that the Philippines’ move to seek “security assurance from external forces will only lead to greater insecurity and turn itself into someone else’s chess piece.”

Self determination

“The Philippines needs to see that ganging up with countries outside the region to engage in confrontation in the South China Sea will only destabilize the region and create more tensions,” he said.

In response, Año stated that the Philippines, as a sovereign nation, has “the right to determine the most appropriate measures” to safeguard its security and the well-being of its people.

“Just like any other nation, the procurement of defense systems, including the Typhon missile launcher, is a step toward strengthening our deterrence capabilities and ensuring that we are prepared to defend our territory when required,” he said.

Año emphasized that such military assets “are meant to bolster our defensive posture” in line with the continued modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He also refuted Mao’s assertion that the Philippines was escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

“In its long history as a sovereign nation, the Philippines has never provoked conflict, but we are always vigilant in defending our sovereignty against any potential threats,” he said.

“Our actions are meant to ensure peace and stability in the region and we will never undermine the security of any nation.”

Año assured that the Philippine government remains committed to maintaining an environment of peace, cooperation and mutual respect in the region.

“We encourage all parties to respect the Philippines’ sovereign right to make decisions regarding its defense and security,” he added.

The Typhon missile system, deployed to the northern Philippines since April, has been used in various Philippines-US military exercises, including the recently concluded Exercise Balikatan in May.

It also served as training equipment during the initial phase of the Salaknib Exercise, an annual Army-to-Army combat drill between the Philippine Army and the US Army Pacific, which is set to conclude in September.

The missile system, however, was not fired during these exercises. The Typhon Weapon System, designed by Lockheed Martin, adapts the naval Mk.41 vertical launch system for land-based operations.

The ground-based missile system is capable of firing Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles.