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With the West Philippine Sea (WPS) becoming an increasingly contentious region, the Philippines is ramping up its defense capabilities to safeguard its territorial integrity.

Photo Courtesy of US Army Pacific.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stressed the country's need for a robust missile defense system under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

This comes as the AFP intensifies its modernization efforts in response to evolving security threats, particularly those emanating from China’s aggressive actions in the disputed waters.

Brawner specifically highlighted the United States’ Typhon Mid-Range Capability Missile System, currently deployed in northern Luzon, as a critical asset.

Initially introduced in April during joint military exercises between Philippine and U.S. forces, the system was meant to be temporary.

However, Brawner expressed his preference for keeping the missile system in the country permanently.

“If I were given the choice, I would like to have the Typhon here in the Philippines forever. We need that for our defense,” Brawner said during the 5th Asian Defense, Security, and Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference (ADAS 2024), held from September 25 to 27 in Pasay.

The Typhon system, capable of firing both Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles and the Standard Missile-6, has a range exceeding 1,000 miles.

Its deployment is part of the AFP's modernization efforts, which Brawner aims to expand by acquiring additional missile systems to form an integrated defense network capable of addressing external threats.

The presence of the Typhon system in the Philippines has sparked sharp objections from China, which views the missile deployment as a destabilizing factor in the region.

The Beijing government has urged Manila and Washington to withdraw the system, claiming it aggravates the already tense situation in the WPS, where the Chinese have been assertively expanding its territorial claims, often at the expense of its neighbors.

Chinese officials have repeatedly called for the withdrawal of the Typhon system, framing it as a provocation that could trigger further instability.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has labeled the missile system a threat to regional security, stating that it incites geopolitical confrontation and undermines peace.

In response, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. pushed back against China's demands, accusing Beijing of meddling in the country's sovereign affairs.

“China is saying they are alarmed, but that is interference in our internal affairs. Before they start talking, why don’t they lead by example? Destroy their nuclear arsenal, remove all their ballistic missile capabilities, and get out of the West Philippine Sea,” Teodoro said.

He further criticized China’s actions in the region, noting that while Beijing continues to expand its military presence on artificial islands in the South China Sea, the Philippines has every right to bolster its own defenses.

Brawner shared similar sentiments, pointing out that the Philippines did not protest when China deployed its own missile systems on disputed territories.

“We are building our defenses,” Brawner said. “Did we get mad when they positioned missile systems in their islands? We did not. We must prioritize our security, especially as we face constant threats to our sovereignty.”

Brawner confirmed that aside from the Typhon system, the AFP is looking into acquiring additional missile systems to create a more comprehensive air and maritime defense.

These efforts are in line with the CADC’s objectives of fortifying the country’s territorial defenses through a mix of land, sea, and air assets.

Despite its growing military capabilities, the Philippines continues to seek diplomatic solutions in resolving disputes with China, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya acknowledged the frustrations of local fishermen who have faced harassment from Chinese vessels in Philippine waters but emphasized the importance of diplomacy.

“Alam ko po na karamihan sa inyo ay naiinis na, kasama niyo kami… nagtitimpi lang tayo,” Malaya told fisherfolk in Zambales, assuring them that the government is working to address their concerns while avoiding a full-scale conflict with China.

Malaya also reassured the public that while the country is enhancing its defense capabilities, the Philippines is committed to pursuing peaceful and diplomatic solutions.

 “Ang gusto po natin ay diplomatikong solusyon; ayaw po natin ng giyera,” he said, underscoring the government’s stance of seeking cooperation over confrontation.

While the Philippines' military modernization efforts continue, the government remains cautious about engaging in direct conflict.

“Pinapalakas po natin ‘yong ating kakayahan kasi napakahirap makipag-one-on-one sa China. Kailangan mapalakas natin ang ating Sandatahang Lakas para dumating man tayo sa punto na kung sakaling suntukin tayo, kapag nakasuntok tayo,” Malaya said.

However, the tides still turn as uncertainty over Washington’s support for Manila will continue amidst Beijing’s provocation in the WPS.