The Philippines says it plans to buy the U.S. Typhon missile system as part of a push to secure its maritime interests, sparking warnings from China of a regional "arms race."

China says a plan by the Philippines to deploy midrange missiles would be a provocative move that stokes regional tensions.

China slams move, warning that Philippines risks ‘arms race’ amid increased militarisation of South China Sea.

The Philippines' defence minister on Tuesday justified the country's deployment of a U.S. medium-range missile system and plans to acquire its own, despite opposition from China, a longstanding rival in the South China Sea.