First of two parts
IS the Philippines igniting a regional arms race by aiming to acquire the United States' Typhon intermediate-range missile launcher deployed in Laoag since last April?
That has been China's accusation after Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. reiterated recently that Beijing has no right to interfere with what armaments we get for our security, backing the Typhon acquisition floated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Let's unpack this controversy and its likely impact on Asian and world geopolitics and security — plus the worldwide spiritual battle between good and evil, as this column explains a day after the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the World Day of Peace celebrated by the Catholic Church on Jan. 1.
