U.S. missile deliveries to Philippines are pointless and escalatory

On February 17, the United States announced it would soon deploy additional advanced missiles to the northern Philippines, a part of the archipelago that faces Taiwan.

This decision, reflecting the Trump administration’s “iron-clad commitment” to Manila’s security, aims to deter Chinese aggression as Beijing expands its military power and gray-zone warfare in Southeast Asia.

However, given the region’s strategic realities, Washington’s move is both unnecessary and dangerous. China has repeatedly protested U.S. deployment of the mid-range Typhon missile system in the Philippines in 2024 and of an anti-ship missile launcher last year. Beijing asserts such U.S. weapons are aimed at containing its rise and threaten regional stability.

Read at Asia Times

Author

Thomas P.
Cavanna

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities