China once again urges the Philippines to withdraw the US Typhoon missile system at an early date, as the deployment of the system brings the risk of geopolitical confrontation and an arms race to the region.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro rejected yesterday Chinese criticism of Manila’s plan to acquire a US-built mid-range missile system, telling Beijing to stop its “saber rattling” and “interference” in internal affairs.

The Philippines says it plans to buy the U.S. Typhon missile system as part of a push to secure its maritime interests, sparking warnings from China of a regional "arms race."