https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/20/us-keeps-missile-system-in-philippines-as-china-tensions-rise.html

According to an article from CNBC, The U.S. has no current plans to withdraw its Typhon missile system from the Philippines, despite Chinese and Russian objections. Initially brought for joint exercises, the system remains to test its use in potential conflicts, particularly regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The US has a longstanding relationship with the Philippines since the days of their colonial rule of the area after the Spanish-American War. They were responsible for setting up many institutions and policies that have shaped the nation today. For example, English is still often used by the government and schools today after it was initially set up for educational instruction use during US colonial rule. 

Today the US and the Philippines still remain closely related for political, military, and economic reasons. The Philippines is strategically located near the South China Sea and Taiwan, making it an essential part of U.S. efforts to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region and as a world power. It is beneficial for the US to have allies in such a vastly different region of the world especially due to shifting power dynamics and ever-changing political tensions. This alliance could be crucial to protecting public safety and minimizing war whenever possible. 

China and Russia believe the US may be starting an arms race by leaving these missiles in place. Chinese officials have expressed concerns about war and want the missile removed from the area. Similarly, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Russia would continue nuclear missile capabilities and cited this deployment when making his statement. The presence of the Typhon system has clearly sparked opposition from these rival powers. The US and the Philippines are jointly making an important statement of their unified power and strategy of deterrence. 

In recent decades, China’s standing as a major global power has been on the rise. The US has been trying to assert dominance to prevent China from surpassing them in the global world order. All of these military activities however have been with the goal of balancing showcasing power without starting a potential war. China has claimed all its activities in the South China Sea have been defensive. So the US shouldn’t do much more in the region besides leaving these missiles as a deterrent unless they want to start a greater conflict.