THE intensifying US military presence and strategic positioning in the South China Sea (SCS), particularly in the Philippines, have significant implications for regional stability. The expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the US and the Philippines, including the four new bases positioned near sensitive areas like the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, reflects a growing commitment to US-Philippines defense ties under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The pre-positioning of US military assets and continuous deployments of troops underscores this alliance, as does the recent deployment of the US Typhon missile system in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Capable of launching missiles such as the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and Tomahawk with ranges up to 1,600 kilometers, this system is strategically positioned close to both the SCS and Taiwan Strait, raising regional anxiety.
Further reinforcing this shift, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has expressed interest in procuring the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also said, "We do indeed plan to acquire capabilities of such sort," and the system "increases deterrence." He added, "We will not compromise with our right to acquire any such kind of capabilities in the future within our territory." This is despite China's and Russia's strong opposition.
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