Philippines refutes China’s arms race claim, says Typhon missile system for self-defence

The comments by Philippine Defence Chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr on the Typhon missile system were echoed by analysts, who say there is a huge imbalance in the defence capabilities of the two countries while the Philippines also lag behind its other neighbours in defence technology.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 5th Asian Defence and Security Exhibition in Pasay City on Wednesday, Teodoro criticised Beijing’s interference in Manila’s internal affairs over the Typhon’s deployment.

“That’s what China is saying but they are the ones that made the first move. For us, we are only defending our country. If they say that there is an arms race, they are the bigger country, they should be an example,” Teodoro told reporters.