The US State Department asserts that ongoing military exercises with the Philippines are “purely defensive” and aimed at maintaining force readiness amidst growing regional threats. This clarification comes in response to China’s demands for the withdrawal of US Typhon intermediate-range missiles deployed in the Philippines, which can strike targets thousands of kilometers away.
While Washington emphasizes the defensive nature of these systems—including Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of hitting targets in both China and Russia—Beijing accuses Manila of violating agreements by introducing what it considers “strategic offensive weapons.” The Philippines maintains that the Typhon system is intended solely for defense, raising questions about regional security dynamics and the evolving military posture of both nations.
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