The United States is considering deploying more missile launchers to the Philippines to deter aggression in the South China Sea, according to Manila’s ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez. Romualdez mentioned that the potential deployment includes Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) missile launchers along coastal regions.
Romualdez said the talks reflect the strong U.S. and Philippines defense partnership and that the Philippines is “a natural choice — and a strategic necessity” as America diversifies supply chains.
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On Thursday, U.S. warships conducted a freedom of navigation operation off Scarborough Shoal. U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson explained: “Freedom of navigation is essential for the trillions of dollars’ worth of commerce that passes through these waters.”
Beijing has protested the U.S. missile systems, claiming they threaten regional stability and are aimed at containing China’s rise. Experts and officials in the U.S. and Philippines, however, say they’re more concerned with protecting international waters, global commerce and the sovereignty of regional allies.
