TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —  China responded with alarm this week to reports that Washington and Manila have jointly decided the US Army’s Typhon missile systems will remain in the Philippines indefinitely as a deterrent against Chinese aggression.  

Despite a July announcement that the Typhon missiles would be removed before the end of September, it was announced by Philippine military officials on Wednesday (Sept. 25) that the missile systems will stay in the country, reported AP. 

China called the decision to leave the missile systems provocative, suggesting it sparks a regional arms race, per Asia Times. On Thursday (Sept. 27), a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Defense, Zhang Xiaogang (張曉剛), said the moves will heighten tension in the region. 

The systems, capable of firing Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack missiles, were deployed to northern Luzon in April this year for the joint Balikatan military exercises. For the time being, the missile systems will likely stay in northern Luzon until at least April 2025, for the next Balikatan exercises. 

Reports indicate the Philippines government hopes to maintain the defensive system as a permanent deterrent. The Armed Forces of the Philippines are reportedly interested in acquiring the missile systems for themselves, per Business World. 

Amid reports that Japan is mulling the possibility of hosting US Typhon missile systems, Zhang also warned Japan not to “bring a wolf into the house” and place itself in danger.