China Demands Removal of US-Japan Typhon Missile System Amid Joint Drills

China on Tuesday called for the United States and Japan to remove the Typhon missile system after its first public display in Japan during joint military drills. This advanced missile system had previously been deployed in the Philippines and is being considered by Manila for acquisition.

Japan's Ministry of Defense announced that the "Resolute Dragon" exercises commenced last Thursday and are scheduled to continue through September 25. While the Self-Defense Forces confirmed the presence of the Typhon system, they stated it would not be actively fired during the drills.

Beijing’s Foreign Ministry condemned the deployment, accusing the US and Japan of ignoring China’s serious concerns. Spokesperson Lin Jian stated, "The United States and Japan have insisted on deploying the Typhon mid-range missile system in Japan under the pretext of joint exercises. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this."

The Typhon missile system forms part of the US Army’s initiative to modernize long-range precision strike capabilities. It utilizes modified SM-6 and Tomahawk cruise missiles configured for ground launch and was stationed in northern Philippines during joint exercises earlier this year.

Manila’s announcement in December to acquire the Typhon system for enhanced maritime defense triggered strong objections from Beijing. Lin cautioned that these deployments increase the likelihood of an arms race and heightened military tensions in the region.