China has called on the US and Japan to scrap the Typhon missile system after it was first displayed in Japan during military drills. The weapon was deployed to the Philippines in 2024 and is set to be purchased by Manila for additional maritime defense.
According to the Japan's defense ministry, the Resolute Dragon exercises have begun and will last until September 25. The Self-Defense Forces confirmed that the system was demonstrated but will not be used.
China's foreign ministry expressed strong opposition, saying the deployment of the Typhon showed a lack of consideration for their solemn concerns. They added that the move could lead to an arms race and a higher risk of military confrontation in the region.
The Typhon system is part of the US Army's program for long-range strike weapons. It uses modified SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles that are launched from the ground. It was first deployed to the northern Philippines in 2024 during joint drills.
In December, Manila announced its plan to purchase the system for maritime defense, something that angered Beijing. The cost of the Typhon system is estimated to be around ₱29 billion if the purchase goes through.
