The Philippines plans to purchase US-made mid-range missile systems in a deterrence upgrade that analysts say is crucial to protecting the country’s sovereignty – while also warning that logistical and financial challenges could limit its effectiveness.
Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro confirmed these government’s intent to “acquire capabilities of such sort” in an interview with the Financial Times published on Sunday.
“We will not compromise with our right to acquire any such kind of capabilities in the future within our territory,” he said.
While Chinese officials have not commented on Teodoro’s statement, China’s state-run Global Times tabloid said on Tuesday that the Philippines was “on track to become a real troublemaker in the South China Sea” due to its military ambitions, citing a Chinese academic.
