Philippines says US mid-range missile system to be pulled out
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A rocket system is fired during the annual joint military exercises between US and Philippine troops in April 2023.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MANILA – A US mid-range missile system deployed in the Philippines for annual joint military exercises
The US Army said in April it had deployed the Mid-Range Capability missile system that can fire the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile in the northern Philippines.
Philippine troops have been taught how to use and maintain the Typhon missile system, but it was not used in live-fire exercises, Colonel Louie Dema-ala said.
“As per plan… it will be shipped out of the country in September or even earlier,” Col Dema-ala said.
“The US Army is currently shipping out their equipment that we used during Balikatan and Salaknib (exercises).”
The presence of the mid-range missile system on Philippine soil had angered Beijing.
Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun warned in June there were “limits” to Beijing’s restrain
Mr Dong’s remarks at a security forum in Singapore were a clear reference to the Philippines and the United States, which have been boosting defence ties in the face of China’s growing military might and influence.
The deployment of “medium-range ballistic missiles” was “severely damaging regional security and stability”, Mr Dong said.
“Acting in this way will ultimately burn oneself.” AFP
