MANILA, Philippines (AP) — American and Filipino security officials have agreed to keep a U.S. mid-range missile system in the northern Philippines indefinitely to boost deterrence despite China's expressions of alarm, two Philippine officials said Wednesday.

Armed with a Tomahawk missile, the system is capable of striking the South China Sea, all of mainland Southeast Asia and Taiwan, and the entire eastern portion of China as far north as Beijing.

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.

Gilberto Teodoro Jnr challenged China to dismantle its nuclear arsenal before criticising the presence of US missiles in the Philippines.