US Deploys Long-Range Missiles Philippines Amid China Tensions

The Philippines has adopted a more assertive stance on maritime sovereignty, particularly against China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, which Beijing strongly condemns as provocative and misleading. This assertiveness is part of Manila's broader strategy of strengthening ties with international partners, including the United States, which has quietly expanded its military footprint in the region by deploying long-range missile systems to the Philippines to counter China. China's maritime activities include operating civilian research vessels with potential military purposes in disputed waters, raising concerns among nations such as the Philippines, Australia, and the U.S. about Beijing's strategic intentions. In response to China's growing assertiveness, the United States and its allies conducted the largest Talisman Sabre military exercise to date, focusing on island-hopping strategies and enhanced interoperability to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. Technological advancements, such as the deployment of upgraded HIMARS missile systems with precision strike capabilities in Australia and planned U.S. missile deployments in the Philippines, further bolster regional defense postures against China. These developments have sparked strong reactions from China, which warns of escalating tensions and potential self-inflicted risks for countries hosting U.S. military assets.