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US missile deployment to Philippines important, US general says

MANILA, Philippines: The recent deployment of a midrange missile system to the northern Philippines by the U.S. Army has been described as “incredibly important” for joint military training between American and Filipino forces, according to U.S. Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans, Commanding General of the 25th Infantry Division.

The missile system allows both nations to practice using heavy weaponry in challenging archipelago conditions, enhancing combat readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The deployment is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen military alliances in the region, especially in light of tensions with China over Taiwan and other Asian flashpoints. The Philippines, similarly, has been reinforcing its territorial defenses as disputes with China in the South China Sea intensify.

China has strongly opposed the increasing presence of U.S. forces in Asia, particularly alarmed by the U.S. Army’s deployment of the Typhon missile system during joint exercises in April. This land-based system can fire both the Standard Missile-6 and Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, significantly boosting regional defense capabilities.

“What it does collectively, it provides us the opportunity to understand how to employ that capability – the environmental challenges here are very unique,” said Evans, referring to the logistical and environmental complexities of operating the missile system in the Philippines.

Evans also highlighted last year’s deployment of the HIMARS long-range rocket system, emphasizing how these exercises in the Philippine archipelago enhance coordination between U.S. and Filipino forces.

Despite China’s concerns, three Philippine security officials revealed that the U.S. and the Philippines have agreed to keep the missile system in the northern Philippines indefinitely to bolster deterrence. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the sensitive deployment publicly.

Evans is in Manila to discuss further joint military exercises with Philippine counterparts, including the annual Salaknib drills scheduled for next year. These exercises will focus on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and Filipino troops in realistic settings, with plans to introduce new equipment for training.

Evans also attended a ceremony commemorating U.S.-Philippine cooperation during World War II, which honored the two nations’ historic alliance.

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