Philippine Military Wants US Missile System to Stay ‘Forever’ Despite China’s Protests

The U.S. Army deployed a midrange ground-based missile to the Indo-Pacific region in April.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner speaks during a press briefing after a command conference with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (not pictured) at the military headquarters in Manila on July 4, 2024. Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images

The Philippine military said on Sept. 24 that it wants to keep a U.S. mid-range missile system on its soil despite China’s demands.

“If I were given the choice, I would like to have the Typhon here in the Philippines forever because we need it for our defense,” Filipino Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told reporters on the sideline of the Asian defense exhibition in Manila.