China is sweating due to Philippines’s action in the South China Sea. The increasing air activities by Philippines have increased China’s headache. Seeing this aggression of Philippines, Beijing-based think tank The South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI) has recently warned that Philippines’ air provocation will not only increase the dispute, but it can also increase the risk of more serious accidents. On the other hand, Philippines is already very confident about its position in the South China Sea. The reason behind this is the Brahmos missile system received by Philippines from India.
After Brahmos, now Philippines has taken steps towards acquiring Typhon missile launcher from America. Due to this advanced missile system, Philippines can counter China in the South China Sea. China seems to be troubled by this attitude of Philippines.
China’s uneasiness increased due to Philippines’s attitude
To strengthen its position in the South China Sea, the Philippines sent helicopters to deliver supplies to the Philippines Coast Guard ship anchored in the lagoon of China’s Jianbin Jiao. China’s think tanks are nervous about this attitude of the Philippines. The SCSPI report says that the Chinese Coast Guard lodged a protest against the Philippines for intruding into China’s territory. The interesting thing here is that China is calling this attitude of the Philippines hollow.
Amid this growing tension, China’s concerns have increased further due to India’s supply of BrahMos missile systems to the Philippines. The Philippines now also wants to acquire Typhon missile launchers from the US. Philippines Army Chief General Romeo Bronner Jr. says that the purchase of new missile systems is very important in the country’s security strategy to deal with external threats.
Philippines is again looking for a new weapon
The Typhon missile system can strike targets at a distance of 240 kilometers to 2,500 kilometers, allowing it to cover sensitive areas such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Experts believe that the Typhon system along with the BrahMos missile battery can become an important part of the Philippines’ regional defense network and enhance its defense capabilities. China fears that the Philippines will use these missile systems to enhance its military capabilities, which will affect its expansionist policies in the South China Sea.