The US Army said in April it had deployed the Typhon mid-range missile system in the northern Philippines for annual joint military exercises, but did not pull it out after the war games. The two countries are bound by a mutual defence pact.

American and Filipino security officials have decided to keep the US mid-range missile system in the northern Philippines indefinitely, despite China's objections. The move aims to bolster regional deterrence.

China has called for the Typhon’s removal from the Philippines as it sees the system as a threat in the region, analysts say.