NSC: No commitment to pull out U.S. missiles

National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya clarified on Friday that the Philippines has not committed to China regarding the withdrawal of United States-made midrange capability (MRC) missile systems.

“We didn’t say anything like that, either privately or publicly. We’re just curious about where this alleged commitment from the Philippine government came from,” Malaya said during a press conference in Manila.

China has repeatedly called for the removal of the MRC, also known as the Typhon missile launcher, from the Philippines, arguing that its deployment contributes to an arms race and destabilizes the Indo-Pacific region.

Malaya suggested that China might be referring to previous remarks made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in which he proposed pulling the missile system out of the country if Beijing ceases its incursions, harassment of Filipino fishermen, and illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea.

“If the presence of the Typhon missile system is such a bother, the President has made a formal offer through media, which, unfortunately, we have not received a proper response to,” Malaya added.

He emphasized that China’s claims presented the situation as if the Philippine government had committed to the withdrawal.

“Repeatedly, they’ve mentioned that we reached such a commitment, making it seem like the Philippine government had agreed to it,” Malaya noted.

He stressed, “The Philippines never promised the People’s Republic of China that we would withdraw the Typhon missile system. We never made any commitment to them in this regard.”

“It would be improper for Beijing to assert that there was a clear commitment,” he added.

The Typhon missile system, a Lockheed Martin design, uses the naval Mk.41 vertical launch system modified for land-based operations and is capable of firing Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles. It has been deployed in the Philippines as part of joint military training with the United States, including the recently concluded Balikatan Exercise. It was also used for training during the first phase of the ‘Salaknib’ Exercise in September of the previous year.

The Philippine Army is set to conduct another round of familiarization training with the Typhon system in February 2025.

Malaya explained that the missile system was deployed primarily for readiness and to enhance interoperability between Philippine and US forces.

“Because we have a mutual defense treaty with the US, it is important for our troops to be familiar with the weapon systems of our partners and allies,” he added.

Marcos has previously criticized China for commenting on the Philippines’ efforts to enhance its defense capabilities.