Credited from: REUTERS
The United States has officially unveiled its mid-range Typhon missile system at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, marking the first occurrence of this system being deployed in the region. This deployment occurs within the context of the annual Resolute Dragon exercise, a joint military drill designed to enhance defensive capabilities between the US and Japan, involving approximately 20,000 troops. The missile system, capable of firing Tomahawk cruise missiles, is perceived as a direct challenge to China's increasing military assertiveness, especially around disputed territories in the East China Sea, according to Reuters and Newsweek.
China has responded to the deployment by advocating for the removal of the Typhon missile system, arguing that such military advancements stir tensions and threaten regional stability. The Chinese Foreign Ministry warned that the US and Japan should be attentive to security concerns from neighboring countries and take actions that promote peace rather than exacerbate tensions. This criticism reflects broader concerns about Japan's military buildup amid China's growing power, as articulated by TRT Global and The Hill.
Colonel Wade Germann emphasized the strategic capabilities of the Typhon system, noting its integration into joint operations is intended to "create dilemmas for the enemy." The missile system enhances military flexibility in a region where existing tensions require robust deterrence capabilities. The exercise and the Typhon's deployment signify a shift in how the US and Japan view their collaborative military posture against perceived threats from China, as reported by Reuters, Newsweek, and The Hill.