Philippines Seeks Extension of U.S. Missile System

The United States has deployed the Typhon mid-range missile system in the northern Philippines, a move that has drawn strong objections from China. Philippine officials, including Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., expressed a desire to keep the missile system indefinitely for national defense, despite China's warnings of regional destabilization. The Typhon system, capable of launching Tomahawk and Standard Missile-6, was initially transported for joint military exercises in April. Although initially scheduled for removal by the end of September, discussions are underway to extend its stay until at least April next year. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. criticized China's opposition as interference in internal affairs. The U.S. has yet to comment on the potential extension.