The U.S. deployed the Typhon missile launcher, the country’s intermediate range mobile missile launcher, to the Philippines for joint military exercises in April. The missile system has since remained at an undisclosed location in Luzon, the Philippines' largest island. Equipped with SM6 missiles and Tomahawks, the Typhon has a strike range of over 1,600 km, putting major Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou within its target capabilities. Though China is equipped with its own intermediate range missiles that can hit U.S. territories, the Chinese government has condemned the deployment and accused both countries of fueling an arms race in the IndoPacific. However, Manila and Washington have vowed to keep the Typhon missile launcher in the Philippines. In this episode of "Taiwan Talks," we take a deep dive into the Typhon’s capabilities, exploring the system's potential as a game changer for regional security. Furthermore, we look at what it means for the security of Taiwan as the country works with likeminded partners to deter a potential Chinese invasion.

Chapters:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:49 – Philippine Coast Guard Ship Forced To Evacuate
00:03:39 – Why Has Philippines Held Back on Requesting U.S. Support?
00:04:55 – Could China Apply Intimidation Tactics to Taiwan?
00:06:57 – Can Philippines, Taiwan Counter Chinese Tactics?
00:09:02 – Renato Cruz De Castro on Tensions With China
00:14:06 – Typhon Missile System’s Impact on Regional Tensions
00:21:32 – Is Diplomacy Still Effective in Deterring China?
00:22:23 – Is China Upping Pressure on U.S. and Its Allies?