China Demands Withdrawal of US “Typhon” Missile System After First Display in Japan

BEIJING / TOKYO — China has strongly condemned the unveiling of the U.S. Army’s mid-range Typhon missile system in Japan and has urged Tokyo and Washington to remove it immediately, after it was displayed for the first time during the joint military exercise Resolute Dragon.

The drills, which began last Thursday and will run until September 25, involve over 19,000 Japanese and U.S. personnel and focus on maritime and littoral defence. The Japan Self-Defense Forces confirmed that while the system was showcased, it would not be fired during the exercise.

China’s Objection

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that the deployment “disregards China’s solemn concerns” and accused the allies of using the exercise as a pretext. Beijing demanded the system be “promptly withdrawn,” warning that it could trigger a regional arms race and “pose a substantive threat to strategic security.”

What is the Typhon System?

• The Typhon system, also known as the Mid-Range Capability (MRC), is a truck-based, trailer-loaded mobile launcher.

• It can fire Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 missiles, both originally designed for ships or aircraft, now modified for ground launch.

• According to U.S. officials, its mobility allows deployment to rugged and austere environments, making it a flexible deterrent.

• U.S. Colonel Wade Germann described it as a tool to “create dilemmas for the enemy” by employing multiple munitions.

Strategic Impact

The range of Typhon missiles potentially allows strikes deep into the Chinese eastern seaboard and parts of Russia if launched from Japanese territory. For Tokyo, the system represents a stronger defensive posture as its security environment becomes “increasingly severe.”

Japan is already accelerating its defense buildup, including acquiring long-range strike capabilities and strengthening cooperation with the United States in response to perceived threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.

Regional Context

• The Typhon system was previously deployed in the Philippines in April 2024 during joint exercises, sparking criticism from Beijing.

• Manila has since expressed interest in acquiring the system permanently to secure its maritime interests, a move that further angered China.

• With its presence in Japan, even temporarily, the U.S. sends a clear message about its commitment to Indo-Pacific security and the defense of its allies.

What’s Next

Officials confirmed the Typhon system will leave Japan after the exercise ends on September 25. However, the possibility of future rotations or a permanent deployment remains open.

For now, China’s demand for withdrawal underscores the growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, where the United States, Japan, and their partners are deepening security cooperation, while Beijing warns of military confrontation if the balance of power continues to shift.