China on Tuesday urged Tokyo and Washington to withdraw the US-developed Typhon missile system, after it was showcased in Japan for the first time during joint military drills.
Japan and the United States launched the “Resolute Dragon” exercises on Thursday, with the drills set to continue until 25 September, according to Japan’s defence ministry.
Japan’s Self-Defence Forces confirmed to AFP that the Typhon system had been displayed for the first time in the country but stressed the weapon would not be fired.
Beijing’s foreign ministry demanded the system’s withdrawal. “The United States and Japan, disregarding China’s solemn concerns, have insisted on deploying the Typhon mid-range missile system in Japan under the pretext of joint exercises,” spokesman Lin Jian told reporters. “China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this,” he added.
The Typhon system is part of the US army’s long-range precision strike modernisation programme. It adapts Raytheon-produced SM-6 and Tomahawk cruise missiles for ground launch, according to the US Naval Institute.
Colonel Wade Germann described it as a truck-based, trailer-loaded system designed to operate in rugged and austere conditions. Japan’s Self-Defence Forces said its presence would strengthen deterrence amid an increasingly severe security environment.
The US previously deployed Typhon in the northern Philippines during 2024 joint exercises. Manila later announced plans to acquire the system, a move that infuriated Beijing.
“The United States’ deployment of the Typhon system in Asian countries heightens the risk of a regional arms race and military confrontation, and poses a substantive threat to regional strategic security,” Lin warned.