U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni demonstrates the Typhon, a ground-launched missile system, as a part of Exercise Resolute Dragon, an annual army train held by the U.S. Marines and Japan’s Self-Defence Forces, throughout a media alternative on the air station in Iwakuni, western Japan, September 15, 2025. | Photo Credit: Reuters

China urged Tokyo and Washington on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) to withdraw the U.S.-developed Typhon missile system, after it was unveiled in Japan for the primary time throughout joint army workout routines.

Japan and the United States started the “Resolute Dragon” army drills on Thursday, and they’ll final till September 25, Tokyo’s Defence Ministry mentioned on X.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces confirmed that the missile system had been showcased for the primary time within the nation over the course of the workout routines, although it mentioned the weapon wouldn’t be fired.

Beijing’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday known as on the United States and Japan to “promptly withdraw” the missile system.

“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 advised reporters at a daily briefing.

“China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this,” he added.

The United States’ Typhon missile system is a part of the military’s long-range precision strike “modernisation portfolio”, in accordance with an April report on the U.S. Naval Institute’s web site.

The system “leverages existing Raytheon-produced SM-6 missiles and Raytheon-produced Tomahawk cruise missiles and modifies them for ground launch”, it added.

It is “a truck-based, trailer-loaded system that is able to be employed throughout rugged and austere positions”, U.S. Colonel Wade Germann advised reporters Monday at an air station within the Japanese metropolis of Iwakuni.

“The deterrent against armed attacks can be enhanced as the security environment surrounding Japan becomes increasingly severe,” a spokesperson for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces advised AFP.

Typhon was deployed within the northern Philippines in 2024 for annual joint workout routines.

In December, Manila angered Beijing when it mentioned it deliberate to amass the system in a push to safe its maritime pursuits.

“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 mentioned Tuesday.

Published – September 16, 2025 10:39 pm IST

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