US Missile Deployment in Philippines Raises Concerns of Arms Race and Regional Militarization

The United States Army's recent deployment of a mid-range missile system to the northern Philippines has sparked concerns among experts, who believe that the move could lead to an arms race, increased tensions, and the militarization of the region.

The Typhon missile system, which was deployed as part of joint combat exercises with Philippine troops in April, is a land-based weapon that can fire the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. The system was originally supposed to be flown out of the Philippines last month, but the two countries agreed to keep it in the northern Philippines indefinitely.

Some Filipino experts have called for the withdrawal of the Typhon, arguing that its deployment suggests an offensive strategy rather than mere defense. They also warn of the risks of an arms race, diplomatic rifts, and military escalation.

The US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019 has also raised concerns about the deployment of mid-range missiles. The treaty, which was signed by the US and the Soviet Union in 1987, banned the development, production, and deployment of land-based ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers.

The US withdrawal from the INF Treaty has been criticized by Russia and China, who argue that it has increased the risk of a nuclear arms race. The US, on the other hand, has argued that the treaty was outdated and that it needed to be able to develop and deploy new missiles to counter the threat from Russia and China.

The deployment of the Typhon missile system to the Philippines is the latest in a series of US military moves in the region. In recent years, the US has increased its military presence in the South China Sea, where it has conducted freedom of navigation operations and joint military exercises with its allies. The US has also strengthened its military ties with Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

The US military buildup in the region has been met with mixed reactions. Some countries, such as Japan and Australia, have welcomed the increased US presence, while others, such as China, have expressed concerns that it could lead to an arms race and increased tensions.