MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said the Philippines would proceed with the upgrade of its defense capabilities, including the possible acquisition of its own mid-range missiles from the United States (US), despite China’s opposition.
Speaking to reporters at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila, Teodoro said the Philippines has the right to have a missile system if it wants to.
“We have the force of international law on our side, not purely Philippine law. China does not have the force of law on its side. It does not have right on its side. That’s why they’re leftist,” Teodoro said during a chance interview.
“I think the whole world knows who is on the right path and the wrong path. Definitely, you know, we cannot take advice from people who distort the truth and nobody believes them anyway. So, I think it’s a waste of air time to broadcast the claims of China because only their leadership believes in what they say anyway,” he added.
Teodoro issued the statement after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lian Jian said the Philippines’ intent to purchase missile launcher ‘Typhon’ from the US was a “provocative” and “dangerous” move.
Lian also warned that the plan could fuel regional “tensions and antagonism.”
Teodoro, however, said the planned missile acquisition was not yet final and not limited to the US’ Typhon missile system.
“Because there must be consent to sell. However, we are planning to have such kinds of capabilities. I’m not saying the Typhon. I’m saying such kinds of capabilities,” he said.
The Typhon is one of three ground-based missile systems of the US Army, alongside the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon.
It can launch two types of anti-surface and anti-air missiles used by the Navy: the Tomahawk and the Standard Missile 6.
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