Two Philippine officials say that American and Filipino security officials have agreed to keep a U.S. mid-range missile system in the northern Philippines indefinitely to boost deterrance despite China’s expressions of alarm.

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.

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.

Visitors look at weapons on display during the Asian Defense and Security Exhibition on Sept 25, in Manila, Philippines. The weapons are LITENING 5, top, targetng pod and SPICE 1000, bottom, an autonomous stand-off guidance kit, both of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (AP)

The US is considering putting its Mid-Range Capability missile system in Japan months after its deployment in the Philippines earlier this year.