US Plans to Deploy More Missile Launchers to the Philippines to Deter Chinas Aggression

A U.S. Marine Air Defense Integrated System fires at a drone during a live-fire exercise as part of U.S.–Philippines joint military exercises at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in San Antonio, Philippines, on April 27, 2025. Ezra Acayan/Getty ImagesThe Trump administration plans to deploy more advanced missile systems to the Philippines to help deter the Chinese communist regime’s aggression, following high-level talks between senior officials from both sides in Manila on Feb. 16.The U.S. Department of State issued a joint statement on Feb. 16 regarding the 12th Philippines–United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, which focused on expanding economic, political, and security engagements and boosting collaboration with regional allies.