HENRY Kissinger’s poignant observation, “It may be dangerous to be America’s enemy, but to be America’s friend is fatal,” resonates profoundly in the context of the Philippines. This Southeast Asian nation, with its strategic location and complex history of American colonization and intervention, finds itself in the crosshairs of the geopolitical rivalry at this time, not just between the United States and China but now involving Russia in view of President Vladimir Putin’s recent remarks in his June 28 meeting with the permanent Russian Federation’s Security Council members, highlighting that the US is now not only producing ground-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles but also using them in Europe, Denmark, and reportedly, the Philippines. Hence, the recent developments involving the US deployment of the 120-ton Typhon missile system for testing in the Philippines exemplify the precarious position the country is in, serving as a proxy battleground for the US vying for the preservation of its hegemony and dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Indeed, the presence of US missiles in the Philippines is poised to reshape the strategic landscape dramatically, positioning the Philippines as a potential flash point in the China-US strategic rivalry and competition, and in US-Russia tensions. Russia perceives the deployment of the US missile system in the Philippines as a direct threat to its national security. This situation is deeply concerning and requires the Filipino public’s urgent attention, as it poses a substantial threat to national and regional security. Immediate and serious consideration of this issue by the Filipino people is imperative.
In a news report on July 4, 2024, the Inquirer highlighted the presence of a US missile system, which was spotted in Ilocos Norte, the home province of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which caught Putin’s attention. The Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system, capable of firing Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles, was used during the “Salaknib” (shield in Ilocano) bilateral army drills on June 27 at a military base in Laoag City. Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala confirmed that the missile system is located “somewhere in Northern Luzon.” Arriving in the Philippines on April 11, the missile system was also utilized during the Balikatan exercises. According to Dema-ala, June 27 marked the conclusion of the first phase of the Salaknib drills, with the second phase set to culminate in September.
Risks, consequences and implications
Deploying the 120-ton Typhon missile system in the Philippines for testing underscores the heightened defense and military collaboration between the US and the Philippines. While this advanced missile system may significantly upgrade defense capabilities, its presence also brings inherent risks. By hosting such weaponry, the Philippines may inadvertently become a prime target in the event of escalated tensions or military conflict between superpowers. The deployment of the MRC on Philippine soil can make the country a target of US adversaries. In the event of military confrontation, the Philippines could find itself on the frontline, bearing the brunt of retaliatory strikes.
Moreover, hosting foreign military assets and troops on Philippine soil is no doubt an infringement of Philippine national sovereignty and integrity, and constitutes a grave violation of the Constitution, which explicitly prohibits nuclear weapons and foreign troops in the country. Hence, the planned removal of these missiles around September 2024 is promising news that warrants close monitoring by the Filipino people to ensure that this pushes through. Army spokesman Dema-ala noted that the continued deployment and eventual redeployment of the MRC will depend on the training evaluation results, ensuring that the “Salaknib” exercise objectives are met. Nevertheless, the implications and risks associated with the MRC’s presence during this period are profound.
Furthermore, such MRC deployment in the Philippines could prompt Russia to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced missile defense systems and its own intermediate and shorter-range missiles in strategic locations, such as the Kuril Islands, North Korea or other parts of the Far East, to counter the US deployment and protect its assets from potential missile attacks.
Destabilizing effect
Likewise, regarding regional security dynamics, deploying such military assets (MRC) in the Philippines enhances the US military presence and capacity in Asia-Pacific vis-à-vis Russia and China in many ways. This has a destabilizing effect on the regional security environment, which could prompt an arms race and escalate tensions among major powers in the region. This scenario also prompts Russia and China to strengthen their alliances and partnerships, and probably other countries in the region considered by the US as adversaries, to counterbalance the increasing US military presence in the region, particularly in the Philippines.
Also, in many ways, the deployment of the MRC in the Philippines contradicts the principles and commitments outlined in Asean’s declarations, particularly those enshrined in the Zopfan (Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality) and the Asean Declaration on a Nuclear-Free Zone. Specifically, the 1995 Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, also known as the Bangkok Treaty, which was signed in Bangkok on Dec. 15, 1995, explicitly mandates a nuclear-free region. This deployment undermines the spirit and obligations of these pivotal treaties and declarations.
Imperatives
Hence, it is incumbent upon our government officials, like President Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro Jr., to provide a clear and unequivocal answer: Why do we have this MRC in the country, what’s the purpose of this and against whom are these intended for? Does this serve the national interests of the country at all? The answers to all these questions are imperatives. The Filipino people deserve a comprehensive explanation from the President himself. As the commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and chief architect of the country’s foreign policy, he holds ultimate responsibility for the nation’s security, survival and the welfare of each Filipino. This is a matter of utmost seriousness. Immediate attention is required to safeguard the country from any potential catastrophe. Such a situation necessitates recalibration and reassessment of the country’s national security policies, foreign policy and alliances.
Conclusion
Indeed, Kissinger’s aphorism starkly reminds nations like the Philippines caught between rival superpowers of the perils of geopolitics. For the Philippines, being a friend to the US brings strategic advantages but with significant risks. The presence of the US missile system in the country exemplifies the complex dynamics at play, highlighting the need for careful, strategic policymaking to navigate these turbulent waters.
Thus, the Philippines must navigate these turbulent waters carefully without alienating or creating enemies with any military superpowers, the US, Russia and China. Pursuing a balanced and independent foreign policy is indeed a delicate and challenging endeavor; nevertheless, it is a must for a country like the Philippines. Balancing its relations with all major regional powers and beyond through strategic diplomacy, investing in self-reliance and strengthening regional strategic alliances/partnerships with Asean and Asian countries can provide the Philippines with a multilateral approach to security and defense that reduces dependence on a single declining traditional superpower. In doing so, the Philippines can strive to maintain its national sovereignty, integrity, independence and security amid geopolitical rivalries, competition and the perils of 21st-century geopolitics.
Source: The Manila Times
https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/07/13/opinion/columns/is-ph-a-geopolitical-proxy-on-the-chessboard-of-superpowers/1956877
